The summer riots....the stabbing of an 18 year-old in busy Oxford Street, London....and the shooting of an Indian student in Manchester....are just some of the incidents which highlight the level of street crime in the UK. It also indicates the number of feral gangs wandering the streets of our cities in ever-increasing numbers and with little regard for life.
The fatal stabbing of Seydou Diarrassouba, 18 years-old, on Boxing Day, apparently followed a fight between rival gangs over trainers and resulted in the brutul murder of this young man. According to the papers he was an active shoplifter in one of the South London gangs and known to the police.
He was no innocent and sadly, it was inevitable that he would end up in prison or dead. We are already hearing his friends describe him as "cool" and "a bubbly character", but it seems away from his family he was also feared by his peers. He was a victim because of the company he kept and it begs the question why the police are not doing more to round up the feral gangs that are a blight on our society?
There have been some really horrifying murders and stabbings over the Christmas period, resulting in heartache for so many families, including Seydou's. But it is the innocent young man in Manchester, without allegiance to any gang, or involved in any criminal activity, who I feel most sorry for. He was a young Indian on a visit, gunned down by a thug with a gun. At this very moment the killer is most likely also being described as "cool" and "a bubbly character" by his associates and it makes me sick.
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Ed Miliband: A link with North Korea.....
The faux scenes of remorse the North Korean people are forced to display over the death of the departed monster Kim Jong il, for some reason reminds me how Labour Party members must really feel having to back their own leader, with fulsome praise and a delusional(?)belief that he can change the party's electoral fortunes.
It didn't start well for Ed Miliband that he stuck a knife in his brother's back to gain the leadership and, no matter how much Labour supporters convince themselves otherwise, the general public just do not see him as Prime Minister material. Too nasal,too school debate in his delivery. However, it was always going to be difficult for whoever led the party in opposition, especially since the country is still firmly of the belief that the previous Labour governments spent unwisely and failed to respond to the financial crisis.
No matter that the majority feel the upper-crust Tory leadership, under David Cameron, still represents the higher classes, polls show the country believes the current Prime Minister is more trustworthy than Ed Miliband, or any Labour politician for that matter.
It may make most of us a little queasy for thinking it, but generally those of us who don't rely on benefits do like it that the government is tackling the welfare state and, in particular, the problem of the work-shy. Even bleeding heart social workers have to recognise that there are those out there who really do believe that the country owes them, but they owe nothing in return.
Of course, the unemployed and the vulnerable should be protected and the majority on benefits are worthy cases, but in communities up and down the country generations of the same families are professional scroungers, seemingly immune to any efforts to get them off the dole. Ed Miliband's attacks on the government's attempts to deal with the work-shy and to overhaul the benefits system is resented by hard-working people.
Labour did do some good things during its time in government, but sadly concentrated more on internal in-fighting than running the country with due diligence. Tony Blair sold the country's integrity to lay the groundwork for his own future career and Gordon Brown dragged us all down with a mentality that was bitter and twisted. It will be sometime before the country forgets their betrayal.
What of Ed Miliband? He will, of course, still be leader for the next General Election and he will, of course, lose. Following defeat he will either resign or be overthrown by someone who will have to re-brand the party(again),or keep it unelectable for many years to come.
Mr Cameron's main concern right now is not Labour, but his ability to keep the Coalition on course, with the Liberal Democrats failing to inspire any confidence and his own party's anti-EU sceptics guaranteed to make life difficult in 2012. When the General Election comes, will the economy have turned enough to guarantee him victory for the Conservatives, without the need for a partner?
It didn't start well for Ed Miliband that he stuck a knife in his brother's back to gain the leadership and, no matter how much Labour supporters convince themselves otherwise, the general public just do not see him as Prime Minister material. Too nasal,too school debate in his delivery. However, it was always going to be difficult for whoever led the party in opposition, especially since the country is still firmly of the belief that the previous Labour governments spent unwisely and failed to respond to the financial crisis.
No matter that the majority feel the upper-crust Tory leadership, under David Cameron, still represents the higher classes, polls show the country believes the current Prime Minister is more trustworthy than Ed Miliband, or any Labour politician for that matter.
It may make most of us a little queasy for thinking it, but generally those of us who don't rely on benefits do like it that the government is tackling the welfare state and, in particular, the problem of the work-shy. Even bleeding heart social workers have to recognise that there are those out there who really do believe that the country owes them, but they owe nothing in return.
Of course, the unemployed and the vulnerable should be protected and the majority on benefits are worthy cases, but in communities up and down the country generations of the same families are professional scroungers, seemingly immune to any efforts to get them off the dole. Ed Miliband's attacks on the government's attempts to deal with the work-shy and to overhaul the benefits system is resented by hard-working people.
Labour did do some good things during its time in government, but sadly concentrated more on internal in-fighting than running the country with due diligence. Tony Blair sold the country's integrity to lay the groundwork for his own future career and Gordon Brown dragged us all down with a mentality that was bitter and twisted. It will be sometime before the country forgets their betrayal.
What of Ed Miliband? He will, of course, still be leader for the next General Election and he will, of course, lose. Following defeat he will either resign or be overthrown by someone who will have to re-brand the party(again),or keep it unelectable for many years to come.
Mr Cameron's main concern right now is not Labour, but his ability to keep the Coalition on course, with the Liberal Democrats failing to inspire any confidence and his own party's anti-EU sceptics guaranteed to make life difficult in 2012. When the General Election comes, will the economy have turned enough to guarantee him victory for the Conservatives, without the need for a partner?
Sunday, 25 December 2011
The Royal Family: Prince Philip steals the show....
At last the Royal Family have started to understand the importance of public relations. Instead of following their natural inclination to leave Prince Philip to get on with it in his sick bed, they all trooped down to the hospital to see him! Helicopters...cars....oh, the inconvenience....and trust the old bugger to hijack the headlines!
As the remainder of the family sit down for Christmas lunch prior to gathering around the television for The Queen's Christmas Speech, her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh, will remain in hospital following treatment for a blocked artery. For a man of 90, he is in great physical shape, although it appears he has suffered heart problems for over twenty-years. On a previous three-day stay in hospital he had no visitors, but that was back in 2008, when the Royals remained oblivious to public opinion.
It is traditional for the Royal Family to gather at Sandringham, Her Majesty's private estate, for the Christmas festivities, an occasion the late Princess Diana absolutely hated and escaped from at the earliest opportunity. However, her sons, William and Harry, are very much embedded within the Royal firm and do not share their mother's aversion to her in-laws.
This is the Duchess of Cambridge's first Christmas with the Royals and as she was going out with Prince William for over a decade prior to their marriage, it highlights the stuffy protocol surrounding such occasions. The Queen and Prince Philip arrived earlier in the week, the remaining guests arriving on Christmas Eve in order of precedence, the most junior arriving first, Prince Charles last.
Princess Diana also made the mistake of buying expensive presents to give to her new relatives, when what they really demand is the cheapest and tackiest! It is said that one year Prince Harry bought The Queen a bath cap with the slogan "Ain't life a bitch!" I don't believe it, but it's a great story!
The big stars of the show this year - putting aside Prince Philip's headline-snatching - are the Duchess of Cornwall and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. Both have not only settled into royal life, but are leading the way with their ability to connect with the public.
Meanwhile, the Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, are making efforts to claw their way into undertaking royal duties, allowing them a slice of the money from the Civil List, justification for their bodyguards and a lifetime pampered existence at the expense of the taxpayer. At a time when the country is under enormous financial strain, the last thing it needs are the daughters of the parasite prince dipping even further into public funds.
As the remainder of the family sit down for Christmas lunch prior to gathering around the television for The Queen's Christmas Speech, her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh, will remain in hospital following treatment for a blocked artery. For a man of 90, he is in great physical shape, although it appears he has suffered heart problems for over twenty-years. On a previous three-day stay in hospital he had no visitors, but that was back in 2008, when the Royals remained oblivious to public opinion.
It is traditional for the Royal Family to gather at Sandringham, Her Majesty's private estate, for the Christmas festivities, an occasion the late Princess Diana absolutely hated and escaped from at the earliest opportunity. However, her sons, William and Harry, are very much embedded within the Royal firm and do not share their mother's aversion to her in-laws.
This is the Duchess of Cambridge's first Christmas with the Royals and as she was going out with Prince William for over a decade prior to their marriage, it highlights the stuffy protocol surrounding such occasions. The Queen and Prince Philip arrived earlier in the week, the remaining guests arriving on Christmas Eve in order of precedence, the most junior arriving first, Prince Charles last.
Princess Diana also made the mistake of buying expensive presents to give to her new relatives, when what they really demand is the cheapest and tackiest! It is said that one year Prince Harry bought The Queen a bath cap with the slogan "Ain't life a bitch!" I don't believe it, but it's a great story!
The big stars of the show this year - putting aside Prince Philip's headline-snatching - are the Duchess of Cornwall and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. Both have not only settled into royal life, but are leading the way with their ability to connect with the public.
Meanwhile, the Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, daughters of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, are making efforts to claw their way into undertaking royal duties, allowing them a slice of the money from the Civil List, justification for their bodyguards and a lifetime pampered existence at the expense of the taxpayer. At a time when the country is under enormous financial strain, the last thing it needs are the daughters of the parasite prince dipping even further into public funds.
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Racial Abuse: As footballer John Terry faces charges....Liverpool behave like children
Outbursts in the heat of the moment are a very human action, but no matter what the circumstances, racial abuse is not acceptable. When the one doing it is well-known or a role model, then it makes the offence even greater, because other idiots use it as justification for their own abhorrent behaviour.
Within the UK, racial abuse has always been a part of the football terrace culture, although much work has been done to make it unacceptable, so it is therefore frustrating when footballers themselves are deemed to have committed the offence.
In recent days, Luis Suarez, the Liverpool player, has been hit with an 8-match ban and fined £40,000 for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra during a game. Suarez, from Uruguay, says the word he used, "negrito", is often used in South America, but not in the context of abuse.
Perhaps that is so, but soccer isn't served well when the Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish supports his player with an appeal to fans to not let him "walk alone", when the right thing would have been an unqualified apology for any offence, even if it was due to a cultural misunderstanding.
The Liverpool team wore t-shirts in support of Suaraz prior to playing last night, in my view a rather childish act considering the seriousness of the fight against racism.
Meanwhile, John Terry, the Chelsea player and captain of the England squad, is to face charges in February next year that he racially abused the rival player Anton Ferdinand during a match. He has denied the charges and will continue to captain England. In a statement Terry said: "I am disappointed with the decision to charge me and hope to be given the chance to clear my name as quickly as possible."
There is video evidence purporting to show him committing the offence, but John Terry is entitled to defend himself. What I find worrying is that such accusations are being made in a sport which has done much to eradicate racial abuse from the terraces, although there is always that feeling that black players tolerate it week in, week out, rather than make waves.
It is up to everyone involved in the sport to make racial abuse totally unacceptable, no matter the provocation and perhaps the manager of Liverpool should be a little more vocal about that.
Within the UK, racial abuse has always been a part of the football terrace culture, although much work has been done to make it unacceptable, so it is therefore frustrating when footballers themselves are deemed to have committed the offence.
In recent days, Luis Suarez, the Liverpool player, has been hit with an 8-match ban and fined £40,000 for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra during a game. Suarez, from Uruguay, says the word he used, "negrito", is often used in South America, but not in the context of abuse.
Perhaps that is so, but soccer isn't served well when the Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish supports his player with an appeal to fans to not let him "walk alone", when the right thing would have been an unqualified apology for any offence, even if it was due to a cultural misunderstanding.
The Liverpool team wore t-shirts in support of Suaraz prior to playing last night, in my view a rather childish act considering the seriousness of the fight against racism.
Meanwhile, John Terry, the Chelsea player and captain of the England squad, is to face charges in February next year that he racially abused the rival player Anton Ferdinand during a match. He has denied the charges and will continue to captain England. In a statement Terry said: "I am disappointed with the decision to charge me and hope to be given the chance to clear my name as quickly as possible."
There is video evidence purporting to show him committing the offence, but John Terry is entitled to defend himself. What I find worrying is that such accusations are being made in a sport which has done much to eradicate racial abuse from the terraces, although there is always that feeling that black players tolerate it week in, week out, rather than make waves.
It is up to everyone involved in the sport to make racial abuse totally unacceptable, no matter the provocation and perhaps the manager of Liverpool should be a little more vocal about that.
Monday, 19 December 2011
Egypt: Dangerous days for the revolution.....
The military in Egypt is not giving up power lightly and the protestors in Tahrir Square and beyond have a difficult task to keep the momentum going on their Arab revolution.
The recent horrendous scenes of brutality by the security forces against the protesters, suggests a renewed confidence within the military command to tighten its grip on the country, without too much protest from the rest of the population who want to get on with their daily lives and seem to be tiring of the call to protest.
For now, the International community is fixated on Syria and more worried about the rise of Islamic groups across the region than the rights of any pro-democracy movement. The truth is that it suited the West to have Mubarak in Egypt and with the military old-guard still holding the reins of power, it is better the devil you know.
The Muslim Brotherhood is not trusted by the West to maintain its benign stance on western-style democracy and it has its detractors within Egypt itself, which could lead to internal warfare should the military go-ahead and hand over to a civilian government next year.
The awful scenes of the woman protester been beaten and stripped half-naked for the whole world to see, angered conservative Egyptians. But will this act of brutality by the security forces, cower the population into submission or rouse them into futher protest? Sadly, the military is already betting on the former and one suspects Western powers won't be too unhappy with that outcome, even if what is said is the complete opposite.
The recent horrendous scenes of brutality by the security forces against the protesters, suggests a renewed confidence within the military command to tighten its grip on the country, without too much protest from the rest of the population who want to get on with their daily lives and seem to be tiring of the call to protest.
For now, the International community is fixated on Syria and more worried about the rise of Islamic groups across the region than the rights of any pro-democracy movement. The truth is that it suited the West to have Mubarak in Egypt and with the military old-guard still holding the reins of power, it is better the devil you know.
The Muslim Brotherhood is not trusted by the West to maintain its benign stance on western-style democracy and it has its detractors within Egypt itself, which could lead to internal warfare should the military go-ahead and hand over to a civilian government next year.
The awful scenes of the woman protester been beaten and stripped half-naked for the whole world to see, angered conservative Egyptians. But will this act of brutality by the security forces, cower the population into submission or rouse them into futher protest? Sadly, the military is already betting on the former and one suspects Western powers won't be too unhappy with that outcome, even if what is said is the complete opposite.
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Strictly Come Dancing: As Sir Bruce would say....keep dancing!
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| Harry Judd |
With the exception of Nancy Dell'Olio, the show has not relied heavily on tabloid gossip and scandal, but on sheer talent and amazing entertainment, from a group of performers who put their hearts and souls into their performances each week. The judges too have produced the goods, with Len Goodman behaving like a spoilt grumpy aunt at times, while the bitchy Craig never failed to deliver. I thought the beautiful Alesha Dixon, the "non-profession" judge on the show - and the highest paid - proved her worth this series.
Harry Judd, the McFly drummer, with his partner Aliona Vilani, took the trophy last night. They were worthy winners and he will have raised the profile of the show amongst younger viewers. Ladies of a certain age were not immune to his charms either. It is interesting that while Strictly was seen to improve with age this series, the rival channel's X Factor, was looking seedy and tired. Simon Cowell has his work cut out for him to return his show to glory.
Meanwhile, the Strictly producers can congratulate themselves on delivering great entertainment and as Sir Bruce would say....keep dancing!
Saturday, 17 December 2011
Nick Clegg: When and where did he lose his political soul?
It doesn't seem that long ago that Nick Clegg wafted into our lives, like a breath of fresh air in the grubby world of British politics. We were so naive, or so in need of change, that many of us actually believed he could and would make the difference.
What happened that he so easily betrayed the trust of believers and instead sided with power over principle? Was he so embittered by his party's disappointing results in the General Election, that he decided to spit on the rest and out of revenge joined with the Conservatives in the Coalition government? At what point did he surrender to the politics of the Establishment, or had he been an impostor all along?
Clegg, deputy prime minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats, made a prat of himself when he failed to appear in the House of Commons following Cameron's walkout in Brussels. Mr Clegg's actions were that of a sulky teenager, rather than a leader and just added to the impression that he lacks judgement and backbone.
He and his party are now being accused of going behind the Prime Minister's back to seek support from the business community to put pressure on Mr Cameron to "re-engage" with our European partners. Shouldn't Nick Clegg be doing this face-to-face with the occupant of No 10? Instead of going behind his back like it was one of the Lib Dems sleazy local election campaigns, when the party was often accused of hypocritical dirty dealings.
I like to think that Nick Clegg is a decent man, but he has lost the respect of the British people and every time he pronounces on an issue, he attracts only apathy. Somehow and, I don't know when and where, he lost his political soul.
To the majority of people in the country, the Liberal Democrats just bolster the Conservative government with its 59 MPs in the Commons, but come the next General Election one wonders how many of that number will still be there? As for their leader? Nick Clegg is likely to retire from mainstream politics, a man without principles.
What happened that he so easily betrayed the trust of believers and instead sided with power over principle? Was he so embittered by his party's disappointing results in the General Election, that he decided to spit on the rest and out of revenge joined with the Conservatives in the Coalition government? At what point did he surrender to the politics of the Establishment, or had he been an impostor all along?
Clegg, deputy prime minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats, made a prat of himself when he failed to appear in the House of Commons following Cameron's walkout in Brussels. Mr Clegg's actions were that of a sulky teenager, rather than a leader and just added to the impression that he lacks judgement and backbone.
He and his party are now being accused of going behind the Prime Minister's back to seek support from the business community to put pressure on Mr Cameron to "re-engage" with our European partners. Shouldn't Nick Clegg be doing this face-to-face with the occupant of No 10? Instead of going behind his back like it was one of the Lib Dems sleazy local election campaigns, when the party was often accused of hypocritical dirty dealings.
I like to think that Nick Clegg is a decent man, but he has lost the respect of the British people and every time he pronounces on an issue, he attracts only apathy. Somehow and, I don't know when and where, he lost his political soul.
To the majority of people in the country, the Liberal Democrats just bolster the Conservative government with its 59 MPs in the Commons, but come the next General Election one wonders how many of that number will still be there? As for their leader? Nick Clegg is likely to retire from mainstream politics, a man without principles.
Friday, 16 December 2011
Downton Abbey: Christmas special and Golden Globes....
The show has been nominated for 4 Golden Globes, including best mini-series, best actor (Hugh Bonneville), best supporting actress (Dame Maggie Smith) and best actress (Elizabeth McGovern, the Earl of Grantham's American wife).
Downton Abbey has been sold around the world and has been the big surprise in ITV's schedule. The writer, Julian Fellowes, must be under enormous pressure to deliver the scripts for the next series, but let's hope he doesn't sacrefice quality for quantity next time round. The second series looked too rushed at times and the language used wasn't always appropriate for the era. But he has done a great job for ITV's fortunes.
Is he as snobbish as his writing suggests? I have never met the man but...I would guess he is!!
Europe: The French play dirty.....
President Sarkozy is still ever so angry with David Cameron for upsetting him and his friends, the Germans, in Brussels last week. The cheek of the UK to veto a new Treaty that would confirm the German-Franco alliance as firmly in control of Europe. Sure, bossy boots Angela Merkel would be in charge, but he, the French President, would still hold enormous power as her right hand man.
While last week the others, minus the UK, welcomed closer co-operation, it seems that on reflection the price might be too high for some countries, who now appear to regret their initial positive responses and are back-tracking like crazy on the German-French attempts for greater integration within the EU.
Meanwhile, France looks likely to lose its AAA credit rating. In its anger over this humiliation, senior French politicians and the head of France's central bank, who should know better, have unleashed a volley of undiplomatic broadsides against the British economy, suggesting that if any country is to be downgraded, it should be the UK.
Perhaps there is some truth in that, but it is the Eurozone's inability to tackle the financial crisis, rather than just hold meetings to discuss Treaty change, which is causing anxiety within the markets, leading to worries about France's ability to deal with its own debts.
At some point in the future governments will take revenge on the likes of Standard and Poor, the credit rating agencies responsible for the current downgrades that cause countries so much pain. These are commercial organisations, with enormous influence, who appear capable of weakening further any economy in difficulty. Are they just telling it like it is...or is it their actions that precipitates the problem?
While last week the others, minus the UK, welcomed closer co-operation, it seems that on reflection the price might be too high for some countries, who now appear to regret their initial positive responses and are back-tracking like crazy on the German-French attempts for greater integration within the EU.
Meanwhile, France looks likely to lose its AAA credit rating. In its anger over this humiliation, senior French politicians and the head of France's central bank, who should know better, have unleashed a volley of undiplomatic broadsides against the British economy, suggesting that if any country is to be downgraded, it should be the UK.
Perhaps there is some truth in that, but it is the Eurozone's inability to tackle the financial crisis, rather than just hold meetings to discuss Treaty change, which is causing anxiety within the markets, leading to worries about France's ability to deal with its own debts.
At some point in the future governments will take revenge on the likes of Standard and Poor, the credit rating agencies responsible for the current downgrades that cause countries so much pain. These are commercial organisations, with enormous influence, who appear capable of weakening further any economy in difficulty. Are they just telling it like it is...or is it their actions that precipitates the problem?
Thursday, 15 December 2011
David and Victoria Beckham: Royal cousin dishes the dirt.....
In status-obsessed Britain there are those who would have killed if they thought it would have enhanced their chances of receiving an invitation to the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton.
Those who were honoured with a precious invite included David and Victoria Beckham, celebrity royalty, who joined the great and the good in Westminster Abbey on 29th April. Like most "civilians" their seating arrangement was way back in the Abbey on the day and it seems that they felt they should have been seated a little closer to the alter.
Their alleged annoyance has been made public by Lady Elisabeth Anson, cousin to The Queen and sandwich maker for high-class functions, who revealed the Beckham's displeasure on a programme for NBC called Inside The Royal Wedding.
However, the Beckhams have angrily denied they had expressed disappointment with their seats and frankly I believe them. Used to sitting at the top table, I would not be surprised if they were a little put out to be soo close to the front doors, but the Beckhams would never express such disappointment publicly. They both work hard at their public image and Victoria would have known prior to the wedding where they were placed for the ceremony. Had she been unhappy she would have excused herself by arranging a diplomatic cold, or an important hair appointment.
Where, how and why, Lady Elizabeth would have been party to such gossip is a mystery, since she moves in such grand circles and has built a reputable business around her association with the Royal Family. I would have thought that dishing out third-rate tittle-tattle was beneath her.
Those who were honoured with a precious invite included David and Victoria Beckham, celebrity royalty, who joined the great and the good in Westminster Abbey on 29th April. Like most "civilians" their seating arrangement was way back in the Abbey on the day and it seems that they felt they should have been seated a little closer to the alter.
Their alleged annoyance has been made public by Lady Elisabeth Anson, cousin to The Queen and sandwich maker for high-class functions, who revealed the Beckham's displeasure on a programme for NBC called Inside The Royal Wedding.
However, the Beckhams have angrily denied they had expressed disappointment with their seats and frankly I believe them. Used to sitting at the top table, I would not be surprised if they were a little put out to be soo close to the front doors, but the Beckhams would never express such disappointment publicly. They both work hard at their public image and Victoria would have known prior to the wedding where they were placed for the ceremony. Had she been unhappy she would have excused herself by arranging a diplomatic cold, or an important hair appointment.
Where, how and why, Lady Elizabeth would have been party to such gossip is a mystery, since she moves in such grand circles and has built a reputable business around her association with the Royal Family. I would have thought that dishing out third-rate tittle-tattle was beneath her.
Monday, 12 December 2011
X Factor UK 2011: Little Mix win the competition....
So, Little Mix, the four-piece girl band snatched the winning spot from Marcus Collins, the young man from Liverpool. I would have thought the voting figures were close but it would have been the best result for Syco, Simon Cowell's record label.
Little Mix have all the ingredients for pop-star success, while Marcus may be talented, but his audience is less obvious and solo male performers have not done spectacularly well on winning the show.
Love or loathe it, this season's X Factor has produced great television, with over ten million tuning in on a regular basis. The judging panel produced plenty of the drama, fake or otherwise, with Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowlands and Louis Walsh in constant battle with each other. Lead judge Gary's contemptuous dismissal of veteran Louis irritated, but the Irish man did not do himself any favours with a hackneyed line in comments.
Gary's own scripted put-downs were often unfair and seemed to be inserted because he had them written down, not necessarily because it related to the artist he was slagging off. The panel member who emerged with the most credit was Tulisa, who mentored Little Mix, and who I think got the measure of the show. It is likely she will be back for the next series and there are rumours that Cheryl Cole will make a return.
With the right songs, producers and promotion, Little Mix will prove a success, but as for the rest of the show's talent, one wonders if any of them will survive beyond the "live" shows?
It won't matter to Mr Cowell and his production team, already planning the next series.
Little Mix have all the ingredients for pop-star success, while Marcus may be talented, but his audience is less obvious and solo male performers have not done spectacularly well on winning the show.
Love or loathe it, this season's X Factor has produced great television, with over ten million tuning in on a regular basis. The judging panel produced plenty of the drama, fake or otherwise, with Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowlands and Louis Walsh in constant battle with each other. Lead judge Gary's contemptuous dismissal of veteran Louis irritated, but the Irish man did not do himself any favours with a hackneyed line in comments.
Gary's own scripted put-downs were often unfair and seemed to be inserted because he had them written down, not necessarily because it related to the artist he was slagging off. The panel member who emerged with the most credit was Tulisa, who mentored Little Mix, and who I think got the measure of the show. It is likely she will be back for the next series and there are rumours that Cheryl Cole will make a return.
With the right songs, producers and promotion, Little Mix will prove a success, but as for the rest of the show's talent, one wonders if any of them will survive beyond the "live" shows?
It won't matter to Mr Cowell and his production team, already planning the next series.
David Cameron & Europe: No mates Britain....
The question is...in using his veto to scupper plans for a new EU treaty, was David Cameron acting in the interests of Queen and Country, or to keep the whining eurosceptics in his Tory Party at bay?
A few days ago I wrote that David Cameron's nightmare begins....and so it has come to pass, with just him against the rest of Europe. Well, him and the country he supposedly represents. The United Kingdom. Now in free-fall isolation. No mates Britain. A Christmas gift President Sarkozy of France gave to himself. He always saw Cameron as an interfering upstart and, with the help of Germany's all-powerful Angela Merkel, he has firmly put the British Prime Minister in his place.
The EU summit in Brussels placed Mr Cameron between a rock and a hard place. The Lib Dems, his partner in the Coalition government, are rather fond of the EU, while a chunk of his own Tory party, hate anything to do with Johnny Foreigner and would be happy if this great island of Britain cast itself adrift from the heathens of mainland Europe.
It does look more and more like Mr Cameron headed for the summit without a real plan in mind, other than to give the other 26 countries in the EU a piece of his mind. He seems to have made no attempt to forge alliances with other nations, but went straight in with his list of demands. Oh, how Sarkozy must have whet his lips as he watched the British Prime Minister take the bait and leave himself bereft of friends.
The Prime Minister's Coalition partners are up in arms, with even his deputy Nick Clegg, deserting his original stance of being right behind Cameron. Although they love being in government and power, the Liberal Democrats will face accusations of hypocrisy if they back Mr Cameron. On the other hand if they don't it could mean the end of the Coalition.
The future of Britain's recovery is dependent on a strong Europe and a stabilised Eurozone, but there is a danger that Mr Cameron's action may have ended any real influence the UK has in Brussels, with France and Germany leading the other nations in a completely different direction.
A few days ago I wrote that David Cameron's nightmare begins....and so it has come to pass, with just him against the rest of Europe. Well, him and the country he supposedly represents. The United Kingdom. Now in free-fall isolation. No mates Britain. A Christmas gift President Sarkozy of France gave to himself. He always saw Cameron as an interfering upstart and, with the help of Germany's all-powerful Angela Merkel, he has firmly put the British Prime Minister in his place.
The EU summit in Brussels placed Mr Cameron between a rock and a hard place. The Lib Dems, his partner in the Coalition government, are rather fond of the EU, while a chunk of his own Tory party, hate anything to do with Johnny Foreigner and would be happy if this great island of Britain cast itself adrift from the heathens of mainland Europe.
It does look more and more like Mr Cameron headed for the summit without a real plan in mind, other than to give the other 26 countries in the EU a piece of his mind. He seems to have made no attempt to forge alliances with other nations, but went straight in with his list of demands. Oh, how Sarkozy must have whet his lips as he watched the British Prime Minister take the bait and leave himself bereft of friends.
The Prime Minister's Coalition partners are up in arms, with even his deputy Nick Clegg, deserting his original stance of being right behind Cameron. Although they love being in government and power, the Liberal Democrats will face accusations of hypocrisy if they back Mr Cameron. On the other hand if they don't it could mean the end of the Coalition.
The future of Britain's recovery is dependent on a strong Europe and a stabilised Eurozone, but there is a danger that Mr Cameron's action may have ended any real influence the UK has in Brussels, with France and Germany leading the other nations in a completely different direction.
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Paul McCartney: The Beatle with the magic touch....
My slight dislike for Paul McCartney has always made me feel a little uneasy. I have never been sure why I have never taken to him...maybe envy, or the fact that he has always, in my opinion, overdone the professional Liverpudlian, humble musician bit, when anyone who has dealings with him would know how difficult he can be.
But then, this is the man who, with the rest of The Beatles, helped start a social revolution in the 60s, making it acceptable for working-class boys and girls to achieve success in fields of activity previously closed to them. From the Sixties came not just the music, but realistic films, flower-power and protests against war and discrimination. Much of it may have been naive, but it was all well-meant.
I have been reminded of McCartney because he has just embarked on a UK tour, starting off in London the other night, for what must have been an amazing show. The reviews have been spectacular and his performance a reminder of how many great songs he has written over the years. What warmed me to him was his awareness that people want to see him perform songs from his Beatles period and he duly delivered.
John Lennon was a fake, full of slogans, platitudes and with a cruel streak that somehow passed for humour. His early death was sad, but he was no saint. Paul McCartney didn't hide himself away in a New York apartment, but stayed close to his musical roots and for some weird reason I am really pleased that his latest tour has opened to universal acclaim.
The Beatle with the magic touch.
But then, this is the man who, with the rest of The Beatles, helped start a social revolution in the 60s, making it acceptable for working-class boys and girls to achieve success in fields of activity previously closed to them. From the Sixties came not just the music, but realistic films, flower-power and protests against war and discrimination. Much of it may have been naive, but it was all well-meant.
I have been reminded of McCartney because he has just embarked on a UK tour, starting off in London the other night, for what must have been an amazing show. The reviews have been spectacular and his performance a reminder of how many great songs he has written over the years. What warmed me to him was his awareness that people want to see him perform songs from his Beatles period and he duly delivered.
John Lennon was a fake, full of slogans, platitudes and with a cruel streak that somehow passed for humour. His early death was sad, but he was no saint. Paul McCartney didn't hide himself away in a New York apartment, but stayed close to his musical roots and for some weird reason I am really pleased that his latest tour has opened to universal acclaim.
The Beatle with the magic touch.
Putin's Russia: A dangerous place to be....
Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister and chief thug of Russia, is a dangerous man. He wraps himself in the cloak of democracy, but detests its weakness and treats it with contempt. The latest parliamentary elections were won by his United Russia party, but with a reduced majority and accusations of ballot-rigging.
Protesters have been gathering in Moscow and other cities in protest, but large numbers of police have confronted the demonstrators, with opposition leaders arrested and detained. There has been talk of a "Slavic Spring" which will not please Putin, the ex-KGB officer. Until now, his ruthlessness and hard man image has made him appear invincible, but the reduced vote for his party, combined with the protests, have exposed a weakness which the opposition are anxious to exploit.
Mr Putin has once again put himself up for next year's presidential election and it is unlikely there will be a strong enough candidate to oppose him. However, he is not used to democratic protests against him and in the months ahead may overplay the suppression of the opposition, leading to conflict with the International community.
Would that bother him? Unlikely. He knows that any words of censure will be hollow and he can afford to detain, beat and make disappear anyone who upsets him.
Protesters have been gathering in Moscow and other cities in protest, but large numbers of police have confronted the demonstrators, with opposition leaders arrested and detained. There has been talk of a "Slavic Spring" which will not please Putin, the ex-KGB officer. Until now, his ruthlessness and hard man image has made him appear invincible, but the reduced vote for his party, combined with the protests, have exposed a weakness which the opposition are anxious to exploit.
Mr Putin has once again put himself up for next year's presidential election and it is unlikely there will be a strong enough candidate to oppose him. However, he is not used to democratic protests against him and in the months ahead may overplay the suppression of the opposition, leading to conflict with the International community.
Would that bother him? Unlikely. He knows that any words of censure will be hollow and he can afford to detain, beat and make disappear anyone who upsets him.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Gary Speed: Not a good role model....
There is no doubt that Gary Speed had the admiration and respect of many within the footballing world, but the media has come a little too close to glorifying his suicide. It is hard to imagine what was going through his mind when he decided it was best that he hang himself, but of course, the Internet gossip has already provided some unfounded reasons for such an awful action.
Suicide used to be considered a taboo subject, not mentioned in polite company, but the danger now is that when someone well-known dies by their own hand, it is often presented as if it was an act of great courage and sacrifice. For the grieving family left behind it is nothing of the sort, just a lifetime of pain, unanswered questions and if onlys...
It would be a bad thing if someone contemplating suicide, felt encouraged by the publicity surrounding the death of Gary Speed and thought that they too would be glorified by family and friends. The truth is it is a sad act of desperation. Gary Speed's obituaries read like Roy of the Rovers, yet dark things were happening in his life. It is right his contribution to the world of football is acknowledged, but we should not present his suicide as the natural action of a hero.
For someone in despair, Gary Speed is not a good role model.
Suicide used to be considered a taboo subject, not mentioned in polite company, but the danger now is that when someone well-known dies by their own hand, it is often presented as if it was an act of great courage and sacrifice. For the grieving family left behind it is nothing of the sort, just a lifetime of pain, unanswered questions and if onlys...
It would be a bad thing if someone contemplating suicide, felt encouraged by the publicity surrounding the death of Gary Speed and thought that they too would be glorified by family and friends. The truth is it is a sad act of desperation. Gary Speed's obituaries read like Roy of the Rovers, yet dark things were happening in his life. It is right his contribution to the world of football is acknowledged, but we should not present his suicide as the natural action of a hero.
For someone in despair, Gary Speed is not a good role model.
Monday, 5 December 2011
Europe: David Cameron's nightmare begins.....
The German Prime Minister, Angela Merkel, has the rest of Europe by the short and curlies, including those of her handmaiden President Sarkozy of France, who does most of her bidding for fear his influence would be negligible without her.
The pair make for a good, if not quite equal, team and at their meeting today in Paris, they agreed new proposals, which would effectively place sovereign Eurozone countries, even further under the control of un-elected EU bureaucrats, with Germany as the Overlord. It would be churlish to say that Germany lost the war, but has somehow managed to capture Europe in its iron fists, but there are many out there who will say just that.
If it is to save itself and the rest of the world from meltdown, then Europe desperately needs to overhaul its collective economies, but there are those who are suspicious of Germany's proposals for a more integrated structure. Although the UK is not within the Eurozone, much of the criticism surrounding any new proposals to extend Brussel's power, will be most rabid from within David Cameron's own Conservative Party.
It is a nightmare situation for the British Prime Minister who is very aware that the UK economy needs a strong Europe, with a stabilised currency. What he most definitely does not need right now is any Treaty changes that would require a vote in Parliament or, perish the thought, a public referendum. The former would open a Pandora's box of anti-European rhetoric, with demands for a withdrawal and should the latter happen, there is a real possibility that the great British public would not endorse any changes seen to enhance the power of Brussels. Rupert Murdoch's The Sun would lead the anti-EU battle to sway public opinion, his own sweet revenge on the Establishment that has spurned him since the phone-hacking.
What Mr Cameron has to do over the next months is fight for his right to represent the views of the United Kingdom at the EU negotiating table, even if we are not in the Eurozone. The EU is already a two-tier alliance, of those countries in the Eurozone and those that are not, but what Britain can't afford is to be a second-class member in a New Europe. Struggling countries may also react against the tough economic measures imposed on them by Brussels and the IMF and crumble under the weight of opposition from their own people. What then?
Ms Merkel is at least showing some leadership in the battle for financial stability, but in doing so she is raising issues that could lead to a political split in Europe.
The pair make for a good, if not quite equal, team and at their meeting today in Paris, they agreed new proposals, which would effectively place sovereign Eurozone countries, even further under the control of un-elected EU bureaucrats, with Germany as the Overlord. It would be churlish to say that Germany lost the war, but has somehow managed to capture Europe in its iron fists, but there are many out there who will say just that.
If it is to save itself and the rest of the world from meltdown, then Europe desperately needs to overhaul its collective economies, but there are those who are suspicious of Germany's proposals for a more integrated structure. Although the UK is not within the Eurozone, much of the criticism surrounding any new proposals to extend Brussel's power, will be most rabid from within David Cameron's own Conservative Party.
It is a nightmare situation for the British Prime Minister who is very aware that the UK economy needs a strong Europe, with a stabilised currency. What he most definitely does not need right now is any Treaty changes that would require a vote in Parliament or, perish the thought, a public referendum. The former would open a Pandora's box of anti-European rhetoric, with demands for a withdrawal and should the latter happen, there is a real possibility that the great British public would not endorse any changes seen to enhance the power of Brussels. Rupert Murdoch's The Sun would lead the anti-EU battle to sway public opinion, his own sweet revenge on the Establishment that has spurned him since the phone-hacking.
What Mr Cameron has to do over the next months is fight for his right to represent the views of the United Kingdom at the EU negotiating table, even if we are not in the Eurozone. The EU is already a two-tier alliance, of those countries in the Eurozone and those that are not, but what Britain can't afford is to be a second-class member in a New Europe. Struggling countries may also react against the tough economic measures imposed on them by Brussels and the IMF and crumble under the weight of opposition from their own people. What then?
Ms Merkel is at least showing some leadership in the battle for financial stability, but in doing so she is raising issues that could lead to a political split in Europe.
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