It is most certainly the case the Prime Minister is the Weakest link in the nation at the moment; plenty of evidence of complete/utter incompetence – but she is by no means the only weak link. Leadership of other political parties seem to follow the concept of leading from behind. There every move […]
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BREXIT: Petition Calling on Government to investigate Foreign Interference in UK Referendum (please sign)
Priti Patel & the Disgrace of Lobbyist Ability to Circumvent our Democracy
This is not going to be a long post as I have written quite a few posts previously about the effects of lobbyist/special interest groups on our democracy here. This latest episode of an ever ending story is just a tip of the iceberg and only demonstrates the level at […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Papers
There are reports suggesting that the BREXIT impact assessment papers may NOT after all actually exist at least in the form one would expect from a government that takes its responsibility seriously in protecting the interest of the nation rather than being driven by a bunch of hacks/ideologues. If this […]
Read MoreBREXIT: David Davis Asks For More Time to Hand in the Brexit Report
As we continue to await for the government to release the BREXIT impact assessment papers there seems to a confusion as suggested by David Davis letter in the referenced article (link below) as to what these documents entail. As the letter suggests this is an evolving analysis that is being […]
Read MoreBREXIT: Petition Calling on Government to investigate Foreign Interference in UK Referendum (please sign)
It is becoming increasingly clear the level of Russian meddling into the US elections not just in terms of social media campaigns/ads but also through collusion by political actors that played key role in the process. It is therefore necessary for the British parliament to hold similar hearings as ones […]
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Antonín Dvořák; Slovanic Dance
The Slavonic Dances are a series of 16 orchestral pieces composed by Antonín Dvořák in 1878 and 1886 and published in two sets as Op. 46 and Op. 72 respectively. Originally written for piano four hands, the Slavonic Dances were inspired by Johannes Brahms’s own Hungarian Dances and were orchestrated […]
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BREXIT Comedy Hour: The Way a Nationalist Ideologue would fix your door bell
The nationalist/populist ideology has 1 and only 1 approach to fixing problems; smash everything around you to smithereens and start from scratch – on their terms of course. We’re seeing that clearly playing out in the US with this Trump Family Administration and in the UK with the alt-right approach […]
Read MoreBREXIT: A Flawed Referendum Leading to a Flawed Process (***updated***)
The government has been using the referendum as the ultimate mandate for continuing with BREXIT and triggering article 50. We’ve also also been complacent in arguing about what this mandate means. So let me make the following argument; the Referendum in of itself was flawed and has in return produced […]
Read More Stories of the Violin: Sarasate Zigeunerweisen
Here is one of my all time favourite violin compositions and it comes with a short story. First time I ever heard this piece was when listening to my favourite pop/rock orchestra, James Last – bless his soul his music was the one that introduced me to classical music in […]
Read MoreBREXIT: A Petition for an Inclusive/Transparent Process to the Unite the Nation – Please sign
Please note that the following text represents the original full text of the petition. However the text had to be condensed/summarised due to the character limits on the petitions website. This is a petition urging the government to help unite the country by ensuring a transparent/fair and inclusive process in […]
Read MoreBREXIT: Questions about the Triggering of Article 50
A great deal has been said about the action of triggering article 50 without proper vision of BREXIT. I believe this is not only to be quite a valid point but one that demonstrates the flawed process adopted by an incompetent government led my a bunch of populist ideologues. It […]
Read MoreBREXIT: A Call for Unity & Action
I’ve written quite a few posts calling for a 2nd Referendum here so will not rehash. The intention here is a short post to refocus attention on a few things; The longer this status quo continues with no clarity of BREXIT and the flawed process driving it the worse it […]
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Britain’s main threats are from Russia and jihadi terrorists – our defence policy should reflect that (Commentary)
I came across a very interesting piece in the Guardian about our security policy entitled; Britain’s main threats are from Russia and jihadi terrorists – our defence policy should reflect that by Paul Mason. A highly recommended read but a few points I would like to make; Unlike what many […]
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Middle East: Iranian Foreign Minister in Conversation with Charlie Rose (interesting insight but NOT the whole story)
A very interesting interview with Foreign Minister of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif. The Middle East is/has been one huge hot potato for much too long, thanks to a large part to foreign interventions/meddling whether for controlling resources and/or establishing strategic objectives. Iran is certainly a major player in the region but […]
Read MoreThe BREXIT Cabinet: Serving Party or Country
In a recent article published by The Guardian; Theresa May suggests she is prepared to demote Boris Johnson; one thing really jumped out at me; Ruth Davidson’s statement supporting the PM; “People serve in cabinet entirely at the pleasure of the prime minister.” So my question is this; “where does ‘Country’ […]
Read More Stories of the Violin; Jules Massenet Meditation from Thaïs
The beautiful sounds/stories of the violin; will be posting some of my favourite works for the violin and more importantly my favourite interpretations of these works. Here is a great performance by dutch violinist Janine Jansen – her majestic performance/expressions certainly reflect the story of this beautiful composition; kind of makes […]
Read MoreBREXIT: The Conservatives Squabble to Appoint a 'No Deal' Minister – Oh "Yes Prime Minister"
I don’t believe that the government can pull off ‘No Deal’. Why? Well BREXIT in of itself is BIG Responsibility but to pull out with no deal would be a gigantic Travesty on their watch something they would all ultimately pay the price for sooner or later; so indications are this […]
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BREXIT: Where the Liberals Stand
I have in the past written quite a bit about the Liberal Democrats and it’s leadership as a former member – here are related posts – so will not rehash points made previously but focus on where we go from here. Why? Well if you read this article; Nick Clegg urges […]
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The Fight for a Referendum in Catalonia
There is an excellent article by the Guardian – link below – that tells the story of the conflict and provides quite valid observations on how the Spanish government used force to prevent the referendum from taking place today, a view I totally agree with, so my comments here are […]
Read MoreBREXIT: The British Prime Minister Finally Sets the Tone but there’s a catch (there ain’t No Sound)
Finally I get a chance to listen directly to our dear Prime Minister to see if this media/social media hype against her/her government is just that a “hype”. Well I can only suggest that for many of us we would have slept better if we had been wise enough to […]
Read More Magic Sounds; The Oboe
Celebrating this year 2017 as the Year of the Oboe in Germany what better way to do so than with “Gabriel’s Oboe” composed by one of great composers of our time Ennio Morricone. The piece is performed by Danish musician Henrik Goldschmid who makes it look simple when in actual […]
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BREXIT: Vince Cable "I'm marching on the Conservative conference"
Well “March On” I would say, “but remember you’re going in the wrong direction!” Yet again we see a confused message from the Liberal Democrats leader in this article – link below. Why, well 3 reasons come to mind; A confused message of supporting a call for Exit BREXIT which implies exiting […]
Read MoreBREXIT: A Petition to the European Parliament Challenging the Legality of Revoking European Identity/Citizenship Without Consent
Petition Title Challenging the Legality of Revoking European Identity/Citizenship Without Consent Petition Text I firmly believe that it is NOT legitimate for citizenship of EU to be automatically revoked from individuals if their national governments decides to leave the EU. As you are fully aware there are many in Britain […]
Read More The Idealogical Box
It seems to me that the current political paradigm where political parties are defined purely based on empty ideological grounds with party members forced to fit into these “ideological boxes’ is an outdated philosophy. “Conservative”, “Liberal”, “Democrat”, “Labour” terms that have little to do with actual vision and more with […]
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European leaders aim to seize the moment for reform (commentary)
A very interesting article in the Financial Times about seizing the moment for EU reforms post the German election. Reforms however must be meaningful and reflect views that transcend party lines so they set a firm (rather than fragile) foundation for the EU project; this way we don’t have to […]
Read MoreBREXIT: An Opportunity for Alt – Right Ideologues
As you may have noticed there is plenty of debate going on about BREXIT and the referendum – and you’ll find many related posts on this website. All right/proper to debate such an important issue that affects our future in a complex world of today. But whatever the outcome of […]
Read MoreBREXIT: A Reality Check to Break the Deadlock
The country seems as divided as ever about BREXIT and there is no consensus as to what BREXIT really means. Compounding the problem is the British government’s flip/flop approach in handling the negotiations and the non-inclusive manner in which the negotiations are conducted. The indications from this approach are that […]
Read More Ali Ismail; A Great Egyptian Composer
Beautiful film music composed by an Egyptian icon Aly Ismail (1922-1974); one of the great composers of our time. This is a small tribute to this genius whose music speaks of Egypt pure and simple. The film is essentially a comedy that tells a beautiful story of a man who […]
Read MoreBREXIT: Piercing that Damn Bubble
When we look at the rise of the alt-right (including Trump & BREXIT) it is sometimes helpful to look at the big picture rather than the specific political battles taking place. This big picture suggests that we’ve been complacent in taking Democracy & Liberal Values for granted for much too […]
Read MoreBREXIT: Unraveling the Myths (the Glory Days Ahead)
Introduction The idea behind these posts is really to set the record straight BREXIT options while trying to engage in a constructive manner about the way forward by analysing accurate information rather than divisive disinformation out there. I would invite contributions of posts/articles from all sides of the political divide […]
Read MoreDispelling the Myths about Globalisation and Referendums
We have for years been struggling in coming to terms with the effects of globalisation on our economy & national identity going from one extreme view to another. We have also for the last year been trying to come to terms with the BREXIT referendum results and with the rise […]
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Michael Flynn, Russia and a Grand Scheme to Build Nuclear Power Plants in Saudi Arabia and the Arab World – (commentary)
A very interesting article published by Newsweek earlier this month – link below – about sort of a new Marshall Plan for the Middle East, a joint U.S.-Russian (and Saudi-financed) program to get control over the Arab world’s rush to acquire nuclear power. The “genius” plan essentially was about establishing a […]
Read More Vince Cable: I could become prime minister (I would say…take a deep breath and slow it down a notch)
Now I must say I’ve always respected Vince Cable as very experienced/ethical politician since the time I was member of the LibDems. However I was also one that suggested him leading the party was the wrong choice – though his experience was important to the party (related link below to […]
Read MoreBREXIT: UK pushes for security treaty with EU after Brexit….(why bother?)
The U.K. government will on Monday propose a post-Brexit arrangement with the EU that allows for “continued security, law enforcement and criminal justice cooperation.” So the real question is this; New Security Treaty, New Market Access Treaty, New Customs Treaty – If EU is as inconsequential to UK as BREXITEERS […]
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Pint Pal (Boris Johnson) Breaking Ranks and Get's in Trouble
Pint Pal is at it again breaking with ranks within the Conservative party to layout a vision for a hard BREXIT. Now I am NOT entirely sure where he has any level of expertise on Foreign Policy – or make that “Policy” period – but if I were him I […]
Read More The Struggle of Adjusting to a Changing World (an opinion)
The world has changed since the “good” old days when super powers ruled the world and were the main hubs of influence in the global political landscape. It is extremely difficult for these powers to adjust to the new paradigm in an ever growing complex political/economic landscape of this new […]
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No EXIT BREXIT – No KILL BREXIT – Just a 2nd Referendum based on Facts, Clear Vision & Inclusive Process
Just wanted to be crystal clear of I stand and have been calling for all this time. I am definitely a “Remainer” (or “Remoaner” as some like to suggest) because I firmly believe the UK would be much better off within the EU. That said what I am absolutely against […]
Read MoreBREXIT: Realising the Importance of the Single Market – A First Step in the Right Direction
I came across this article today on the Guardian website entitled; I worked for Vote Leave, but I now realise Britain must stay in the single market. by Oliver Norgrove. A very interesting post which I highly recommend reading. First off let me commend Oliver for having the courage/insight not to be bogged […]
Read MoreBrexit won't solve issues that led to leave vote, says ex-trade minister: ("Welcome back to earth, what took you so long?" I would say)
A very interesting article by Mark Price who quit as a government trade minister a fortnight ago and a former managing director of Waitrose. He points to fundamental issues with the British economy and the increase of technology/automation that is putting pressures on the job market as this market suggests. BREXIT aside […]
Read MoreREVEALED: The reason why Germany will do ANYTHING to STOP a hard Brexit (oh really???)
A very interesting/captivating heading in the Express suggesting that Germany will suffer dire consequences as a result of BREXIT. A few facts to ponder on though; As of 2016 Germany overtook the UK as the fastest growing economy among the G7 states expanding at the fastest rate in five years, […]
Read MoreThe Conservative Power Grab & the Fate of a Country
I must say that I am NOT surprised by the result of the vote yesterday of the repeal bill. In my mind it is only yet another demonstration of the Conservative party again voting across party lines despite many of them being critical of the bill passed in its current […]
Read MoreBREXIT: Thousands march through London against Brexit
Stand up for Common Sense Politics & against pre-WWII Clan/Nationalist Ideology; EU embodies lessons from history so let’s NOT repeat the mistakes of the past by forgetting our history and how we got here. This is exactly what the racist/ultra-right clan wants us to do; forget the past and focus […]
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BREXIT: The Man with the Union Jack Socks Plans a Change of Colour
Yes, Nigel Farage is back in the news “again” now eyeing German colours for his socks. Well Mr. Farage you move fast; BREXIT, then Trump, on to Le Pen and now the AfD party in Germany. It should now be clear to the blind your true colours of what you […]
Read MoreBREXIT: Standing up for Europe – September 9th
Best of luck to all attending the March. Keep safe and Keep on Clear Message/Demands without alienating others. Make this a Positive stand for the Europe & the EU. We need a sustained/peaceful action campaign to set the tone and make politicians move off their behinds/listen. It is ultimately the […]
Read MoreBREXIT: Interview with David Davis & Keir Starmer on the Andrew Marr show (Delusion Remastered)
A fascinating interview with today on Andrew Marr show with David Davis & Keir Starmer. They both seemed characteristically delusional; the first in his view on the state of the negotiations and the second with his presentation of the “development/U-turn” policy of Labor regarding the transition period. The one outcome […]
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North Korea: earthquake signals nuclear explosion
The North Korea saga is yet another simple demonstration of what it means to have weak political leadership – particularly on Foreign Policy – throughout the Western hemisphere. Syria and the Middle East in general is yet another. Two questions come to mind; Does the world need to be policed? […]
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Cinema Greats: Anthony Quinn
Preface I’ve always been captivated by cinema – particularly older movies; I one that has no problem watching movies multiple times. A big part of any movie of course are the actors, so I decided to post documentaries of some of my favourite ones. Anthony Quinn This is certainly one […]
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Jerry Lewis, king of comedy, dies at 91
A true icon of comedy/entertainment. He will be sorely missed but not forgotten. Condolences to family & friends. God bless! Link to original article here
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The Lost Lesson of the Financial Crisis (commentary)
A very interesting article by Mohamed A. El-Erian, Chief Economic Adviser at Allianz, someone I truly respect and I highly recommend reading the article; link below. I would also like to add the following comment on his article because I do feel that sometimes financial analysts/experts overanalyse issues related to […]
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