Blog
The U.N. Votes to Criticise the U.S. Decision on Jerusalem
Music to Warm Your Christmas Eve
Here is some great music by a young and talented Harpist Amy Turk from the South of England playing Johann Sebastian Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor; a superb interpretation of this musical masterpiece. Hope you enjoy the music as I have and make sure to visit Amy’s website to learn […]
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The U.N. Votes to Criticise the U.S. Decision on Jerusalem
The United Nations General Assembly on today, Thursday 21, 2017 adopted a resolution criticising the U.S. decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and begin the process of moving its embassy there. Now beyond the foolishness of the U.S. administration to make that decision, something I posted about here, and […]
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China’s “Sharp Power” and our Vulnerabilities that make Self-Protection & Engagement a Difficult Balance
I came across a very interesting article entitled How China’s “sharp power” is muting criticism abroad (link below) about China’s increased influence/meddling in western democracies mainly to promote a positive image of the country, and distorting information to suppress dissent and debate. It’s safe to say that this behaviour is […]
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The BREXIT Nugget: Time for Reflection for the Prime Minister When Lecturing on Respect/Decency
In a recent tweet by the PM she called for Tolerance, Decency & Respect in the treatment of politicians. Here’s the tweet; Threats of violence and intimidation are unacceptable and have no place in our politics. Everybody should be treated with tolerance, decency and respect. — Theresa May (@theresa_may) December […]
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BREXIT Flicks: Tweet to Tweet
Here are some interesting tweet exchanges today (my responses are in green) Theresa May’s Orderly/Painless BREXIT .@theresa_may: We’ll deliver Brexit in a smooth and orderly way – without disrupting people’s lives and without disrupting businesses. pic.twitter.com/pwwDNo2MDt — Conservatives (@Conservatives) December 15, 2017 Yes of course, no one will feel a […]
Read More BREXIT Flicks: Theresa May tells EU she's still in control despite Commons loss
BREXIT Flicks: Theresa May tells EU she's still in control despite Commons loss
Arriving soaking wet to Brussels suffering from the effects of the political Tsunami battering her government every since the Conservatives loosing overall majority in British parliament on her watch to the latest defeat on BREXIT bill, this while arguing to EU she’s still in control, one can only imagine whispering […]
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Remembering "Amadeus"
This is in every sense of the word my all time favourite movie ever. The film was released in 1984 and directed by Miloš Forman, adapted by Peter Shaffer from his stage play Amadeus. The story, set in Vienna, Austria, during the latter half of the 18th century, is a […]
Read More The BREXIT Nugget: Kicking the Can Down the Road(updated)
The BREXIT Nugget: Kicking the Can Down the Road(updated)
OK, now that our political “geniuses” are celebrating defeating the government in parliament to give MPs a legal guarantee of a meaningful vote on the final Brexit deal struck with Brussels; here are a few thoughts; This is merely kicking the can down the road because as of yet there […]
Read More The Genius of Paganini
Another one of my all time favourite Composers, Niccolò Paganini an Italian violinist, violist, guitarist, and composer (1782–1840). He was the most celebrated violin virtuoso of his time. A truly transformative composer when it comes to violin compositions – what one would call in the world of technology nowadays “Disruptive” […]
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The BREXIT Model
The BREXIT Model
It seems on a daily basis now that we continue to get a drip..drip analysis of BREXIT’s effects on the economy, some good but mostly quite negative – and the worse part is that no one can really tell fact from fiction. This while our “lovely” politicians continue playing their […]
Read More The BREXIT Nugget: How Racism Influenced the Referendum
The reason for this brief post is to record a tweet I posted on twitter commenting on a video clip by journalist/LBC radio presenter James O’Brien speaking to a caller on his reason for voting to leave the EU; I feel it is important enough to re-post on my blog site […]
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The Perception of American Leadership/Exceptionalism is Being Systematically Drained While the Swamp is Alive & Kicking (updated)
Now I happen to be one of those who – though a non-American myself – always believed in American leadership never questioned (effectively) the perception of strength of the American model of Democracy & Liberalism. This view however has been shattered to smithereens for a few simple reasons, and here’s the […]
Read More The BREXIT Nugget: A Question of Identity – Where Does that Fit In?
The BREXIT Nugget: Britain Leaving the EU Body in all but Tail
The BREXIT Nugget: Britain Leaving the EU Body in all but Tail
It turns out – as we learn from media reports NOT our British government – that the UK has agreed a deal where by the UK will remain in the Customs Union & Single Market during the transition period which means it will continue to accept all EU rules and […]
Read More The Beethoven Project
I came across this video clip on YouTube published by Deutche Welle TV in 2013. Though a few years old I chose to post the first part of the program because it reflects my deep passion not only for classical music and great composers like Beethoven but also to the […]
Read More The BREXIT Nugget: A Question of Identity – Where Does that Fit In?
This might be a self-serving post but it is an issue that does mean a great deal to me as a British citizen living in Europe. Having gone through the agreement signed today between the EU and the UK, particularly in relation to Citizen’s Rights I can see no provisions […]
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Reflections from Jerusalem & A Hope for a Brighter Future
I came across this article; Where the Gods Live by the Austrian journalist Tessa Szyszkowitz which provides a very interesting insight – among the many out there – about life in Jerusalem, and decided to share it as a follow up to a recent post I made with the link […]
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The Sad State of Liberal Britain & The Way Forward to Build a New Model for Liberal/Progressive Politics
Let’s first get things straight; I identify myself as a Liberal heart/soul and subscribe to Liberal values & traditions. I also happen to believe that Liberalism is about centrist/pragmatic policies rather leaning towards the alt-left or alt-right of political ideology. I was a member of the Liberal Democrats for 10 […]
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Photo Profile Update: Hey, Look Out! – Green Woodpecker
Johnny Hallyday dies Aged 74
Very sad to learn of the death of Johnny Hallyday today aged 74 a true icon of a singer. Influenced by Elvis Presley and the 1950s rock n’ roll revolution, Hallyday became famous in the 1960s for singing Rock ‘n’ Roll in French. He will be missed but never forgotten. May […]
Read More Trump to Recognise Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel
This is simple/brief commentary/predictions on Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel; This in my view is by far the biggest US foreign policy blunder ever even eclipsing the decision to invade Iraq of 2003. Political ramifications will be swift and will not be restricted to the […]
Read More The BREXIT Nugget: A Case of Dereliction of Duty
Forget about the politics of it all; Border Controls, Customs Union, Single Market, Remainer, Brexiteer etc. Let’s all agree on a few basics; With the weak Prime Minister in 10 Downing Street leading (or to be more accurate by the look of things; is being led by) a shambolic government […]
Read More The BREXIT "Mini" Nugget: To Deal or NOT To Deal, That is the Question
Plenty of signs coming out of Brussels suggesting that a deal is on the table and close to an agreement. Prime Minister May on the other hand is in a situation of; doomed if you will/doomed if you won’t – not only from Remainer’s but also hard Brexiteers. So now […]
Read More The BREXIT Nugget: Weak Morals is the Problem NOT the Solution
Mike Pompeo Just Let One Off
Talk About Extreme Vetting of Immigrants – Would be More Useful to Start Applying Extreme Vetting to Politicians to Establish Their Qualifications, Experience & True Loyalties/Ideology if We Are to be Effective in Protecting Our Democracy
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The BREXIT Nugget: Weak Morals is the Problem NOT the Solution
I came across this clip on twitter of the BREXIT debate on a recent episode of the BBC’s Question Time – detail below. I listened attentively to the views of MP Sam Gyimah about BREXIT as you can view from the link below. Here is my response which I already […]
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Mike Pompeo Just Let One Off
While scrolling through the latest youtube video’s today I ran into this clip of Leon Panetta former Director of the CIA/White House Chief of Staff and Mike Pompeo the current Director of the CIA discussing the all infamous Trump tweets. Now before moving further in this post let me attempt […]
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A Message to the Prime Minister
Prime Minister Theresa May, let me just say that every time you open your mouth – on any subject – you seem to be putting yourself and by extension your country into a smaller and smaller box. Sure we can argue & debate things on matters of policy and that’s […]
Read More Another “Heyday” for Theresa May When Racism/Bigotry come into Play (updated)
Another “Heyday” for Theresa May When Racism/Bigotry come into Play (updated)
This post is going to be short and sweet, for a change. Today came yet another glaring indication of where loyalties lie of Theresa May and I would say a big chunk of her team. When Trump made these silly retweets viewed as offensive to Muslims – related article below […]
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The BREXIT Nugget: Forecasts & Priorities
We continue to see gloomy forecasts for the UK’s economic growth due to the BREXIT train wreck first the OBR and the OECD (links below). On the other hand we see gang in charge of the British government shutting their eyes, closing their ears as they stampede their way towards the […]
Read More The BREXIT Nugget: Centre Grounds
The BREXIT Nugget: Centre Grounds
The real problem that we face today in this country post BREXIT is the lack of mature leadership able to unite the country by developing a pragmatic vision (please check link at the end of the post as an option) based on compromise/inclusiveness. Instead bigotry & partisanship seem to be […]
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Hearts & Minds in Egypt
Another cowardly attack on a mosque in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula claiming over 200 lives. Prayers to the victims and deepest condolences to their families. The concern is that now that ISIS is loosing grip in Iraq & Syria terrorists are moving to other regions of the Middle East & Africa where they believe to have […]
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Flying with the Premier 1 Driver
If you’re into flying, aircrafts and all to do with aviation like me you may be interested in following Greg Mink’s channel on youtube. I came across Greg a little over a year ago and have been following his great flying video clips ever since. Greg is a pilot who […]
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The BREXIT Nugget: Let the 'Cliff Edge' Commence
As we continue with the status quo on BREXIT both in terms of the governments approach and the unwillingness/inability of other pro-Remain supporters across parties to unite and put forth a new vision we see evidence on a daily basis of the downhill spiral the country is going through. So […]
Read More Policy Nugget: UK trade minister lobbied Brazil on behalf of oil giants – STOP Treating the Symptoms
We should STOP piecemealing solutions of symptoms and start curing the real issue of political overreach/corruption in all its forms whether it be in financing political parities or influence by lobbyist/special interest. These activities do nothing but chip away at our Democracy and liberal values; we should stop talking about […]
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A Foreign Policy Nugget; Robert Mugabe sacked as Zanu-PF leader in Zimbabwe
Democracy cannot be imposed but should be actively supported. Let’s learn some lessons from the failures of the Arab Spring and develop/apply an adaptable template to help emerging democracies find/apply a suitable/sustainable path towards democratic governance. The first steps are always the most difficult ones and many states choose the […]
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Lebanon: The Sunni – Shia Rivalry and the Fate of a Country
Few would disagree that the Sunni – Shia rivalry is destructive to the entire Middle East region. Unfortunately Lebanon has been the battle ground of this rivalry among the many sectarian conflicts plaguing the region. This is truly a sad story of a beautiful country/wonderful people that could be a […]
Read More The British Governments Response to the Petition to Investigate Foreign Interference in the EU referendum = Hogwash
The British Governments Response to the Petition to Investigate Foreign Interference in the EU referendum = Hogwash
The British – so called “government” – has just released its response to a petition with over 17,000 signatures to investigate foreign interference in the EU referendum, and here it is word for word; As the Prime Minister stated in her speech at Mansion House on 13th November 2017, the […]
Read MoreMy Takeaway from a recent Interview with President Emmanuel Macron
A very interesting interview – link below – with French President Emmanuel Macron and I only wish there was more of it to cover a more penetrating insight into his views on a variety of important topics six months into his Presidency. Now a couple of points right off the bat; […]
Read More BREXIT: Parliament to vote on final Deal – A New Approach or a Shiny Object (Updated)
BREXIT: Parliament to vote on final Deal – A New Approach or a Shiny Object (Updated)
Very interesting developments by the government, but one that makes you wonder if this is a new proposition or rather it’s more about timing of agreeing to a proposition that was already on the table for some time. Of course we all know it’s the latter that is true. OK […]
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