tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98080002012-01-17T10:23:52.657ZMy name is Douglas Holland and I am the idle Man of the Title and these are my idle thoughts!Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.comBlogger1961100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-54176714211978743902011-05-20T09:58:00.001+01:002011-05-20T09:58:37.871+01:00

The National Audit Office (NAO) has produced a report (20th May 2011) on The Cost Effective Delivery of Armoured Vehicle Capability. The NAO press release although couched in unemotional language, is damning of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) standard procurement process for Armoured Vehicles.This is the key part of the Press Release dealing with the Standard Procurement Process:The suspension and

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-32873737035901892392011-05-09T10:51:00.001+01:002011-05-09T11:08:04.798+01:00

Once confined to a certain type of Publication, all areas of the media now have an insatiable need for, and an addiction to Celebrity news, gossip, or rumour. A need so great, that in some cases they appear to have made someone a Celebrity, just so they can report on them.A large number of celebrities have used this insatiable need, to form a symbiotic relationship with the Media to enhance,

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-13339349628429858422011-05-02T13:52:00.003+01:002011-05-02T14:04:44.053+01:00

Due the evolution of the al-Qaeda, the death of Osama Bin Laden although hugely symbolic and a psychological shock, especially to the 'terminally deluded' who actually carry out atrocities, is not, sadly the death knell of the al-Qaeda.This is due to al-Qaeda having evolved into initially a 'franchise' and now with the exception of the core group, more into a purely a brand name, used by groups

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-60330854433725925072011-04-02T11:20:00.002+01:002011-04-02T11:22:16.061+01:00

Amateur Photographer Magazine has been active in trying to discover why the Fotopic Photo Site has disappeared from the Web and the result of their investigation is three articles by Chris Cheesman:Photographers warned after thousands of pics ‘lost’ 30th MarchFotopic.net boss tells photographers: It’s no technical problem31st MarchPhotography website Fotopic.net heads for liquidation 31st MarchI

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-34023307777311346502011-03-25T04:32:00.000Z2011-03-25T04:33:02.722Z

Fotopic Servers have disappeared (again), unlike the major outage in January 2009, this time it appears this is terminal and Fotopic will be history. Companies do fail and their Websites disappear overnight and this is just part of business life. So is the case of Fotopic different?In business terms not really, but as a Photo Sharing site started back in 2001 it developed a loyal following and by

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-47537236771716872132011-03-04T16:19:00.004Z2011-03-05T15:54:26.913Z

The plan for Mexicana to restart at least some operations has 'sputtered to a halt' as PC Capital (described as a 'tiny boutique investment firm') which was chosen by a judge-appointed mediator in November as the best option to bring Mexicana back to life, has failed to attract investors!Whilst the Unions finally accepted the reality that there would be massive Job Cuts if the Airline was to be

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-6910279037376174642011-02-15T08:21:00.001Z2011-02-15T08:21:34.860Z

See the Article here: Royal Society praises Scots education system.My only comment is what took them so long (if I have a minor criticism of the system is Scotland is it does tend to teach Scottish, rather than British History).

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-33376465581759790462011-02-15T08:13:00.001Z2011-02-15T08:13:03.668Z

The Dutch have been major supporters of Green Energy and during the lead up to the Kyoto Agreement took to chivvying other EU States to a near 'bullying; level. Now the Dutch Government has not so much modified its Green view of Energy, but written an entirely new Energy Policy, which has Green Elements, but has taken a pragmatic cost based view of how to meet the energy needs of the Country now

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-61038981310576305432011-02-10T06:11:00.001Z2011-02-10T06:11:12.875Z

In one of my recent posts on Help Save Our Forests I included the following Paragraph: The slow and almost covert sale of National assets to Private and indeed often foreign ownership by successive Governments has been going on for far too long. But this is not just a privatisation too far, but a disgraceful act and needs to be stopped.Well another planned privatisation has been causing me

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-24802614060482713222011-01-27T13:56:00.003Z2011-01-27T14:12:31.167Z

In my last post in this blog Stop the Selling off of our Forests and Woodlands I listed the things, we as the electorate could do to stop the Government selling off the Forests and Woodlands in England that are owned by the Nation and which they are, through the Forestry Commission the custodians.Top of this list was Sign the Petition at the 38 Degrees Website: Save our Forests. This petition

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-47522960941599515222011-01-23T20:51:00.009Z2011-01-28T02:45:02.792Z

David Cameron who had promised to make his administration the greenest government in British history (perhaps he meant greediest Government in British History?), is determined to sell off one of our National Assets the government owned Woodlands and Forests in England, For once devolution has proved useful as the Scottish and Welsh Forests and Woodland will remain safe. Because the Westminster

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-22091383099496243872011-01-21T10:12:00.004Z2011-01-21T10:18:15.881Z

Today the Guardian ran two similar articles on Linda Norgrove and both are informative, interesting and worth reading:Linda Norgrove took photos of Afghan captor before death in botched rescueandLinda Norgrove: 'She took a lot of risks'I just wish they hadn't used the word 'botched' (twice in the first article and once in the second), 'failed' would have been fine.Moving on: One important

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-41230583554270157842011-01-20T06:47:00.004Z2011-01-20T07:02:00.232Z

The BBC's Nick Robinson published an article earlier this morning (0515 20 Jan 2011) with the title: Ministers in climbdown over prisoner vote rights in which he writes that the government is preparing to scale back plans to give the right to vote to thousands of prisoners serving sentences of under four years. They now propose to limit the right to those sentenced to a year or less.But this

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-640587657114626952010-12-20T10:15:00.002Z2010-12-20T10:17:38.321Z

The Leader of the Unite Union Britain's Biggest and the owner main financial supporter of the Labour Party, Comrade Mr Len Mcluskey has spoken to the Guardian in an article entitled: Unions warn of massive wave of strikes. In the article he discusses his support of the Student Protests and how the Union movement should be planning a broad strike movement against the cuts. Oh goody an

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-88294863327020852192010-12-18T11:41:00.002Z2010-12-20T10:57:55.838Z

Having just read (belatedly) the Telegraph Article about Mahmoud Abu Rideh a British al-Qaeda refugee killed in Afghanistan. I thought I would do some limited research on the Background of this man.Background to Mahmoud Abu Rideh in Britain:Mahmoud Abu Rideh was born in Jordan to Palestinian refugee parents. He came to the UK in January 1995 and claimed asylum, whilst living off benefits with his

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-77712913274484123582010-12-13T23:51:00.002Z2010-12-20T11:06:20.595Z

As those of you who follow this blog know I have a sentimental affection for Mexicana and monitored its decline and fall with a strange mixture of emotions.However despite ceasing operations, efforts continued to revive the carrier and now the three main unions have finally accepted reality and with some creditor support, there is every chance a much reduced Mexicana will begin operations in the

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-29259048429203475252010-12-10T08:45:00.001Z2010-12-10T08:45:40.733Z

Actually I am being unfair, firstly only a proportion of the student protestors in London actually were involved in the attacks on People and Property. However far too many of those non-involved seemed to have found these actions at least in part acceptable and only a tiny minority tried to stop it.Also I think I am being slightly unfair to Vandals and Hooligans, who are locked in a world with

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-47771767400357413142010-12-06T14:05:00.003Z2010-12-06T14:09:49.247Z

In the furore over whether Katia Zatuliveter is, or is not an agent of the SVR (KGB by any other name is still the KGB), some questions don't appear to have been asked.The most important being: Why employ a foreign national as a research assistant?Were there no suitably qualified Citizens of the United Kingdom?If, as stated she was the best person for the Job, how was the Job advertised and how

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-77821812423031885862010-12-05T11:45:00.002Z2010-12-05T11:47:17.710Z

Simon Jenkins In his column on the 2nd December 2010 for the Guardian wrote an excellent piece entitled: In this World Cup sewer, we reptiles of British journalism hold our heads high and I suggest it is worth reading.However from the viewpoint of this post, one paragraph caught my attention and I 'cut and pasted' it to my Notepad and intend to learn it by heart, because it totally sums up my

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-90255303239237492132010-11-25T11:45:00.006Z2010-11-25T13:17:18.292Z

When he was 15 Learco Chindamo was in a gang and was personally responsible for murdering Philip Lawrence in west London, when as Headmaster of his school, Mr Lawrence went to the assistance of a Pupil being attacked by the Gang.When convicted Learco Chindamo was given an indefinite sentence, which at minimum was to be 12 Years. After 15 Years in Prison he was released on Parole, despite being

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-12512552480309559122010-11-22T05:11:00.003Z2010-12-20T10:20:43.267Z

Unite, the Union that owns the Labour Party, sorry I mean contributes, the most to the Labour Party has voted as Leader one Comrade, I mean Mr Len McCluskey, who still quotes Communist guerrilla leader Che Guevara (which would be quaint if he wasn't so powerful) and believes there is no such thing as an irresponsible strike! It is also apparent he still espouses the agenda of the Militant

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-90329421971028230322010-11-12T12:29:00.001Z2010-11-12T12:29:41.719Z

After I effectively 'buried Alitalia' in a series of Posts, only to be proved wrong, I have been loath to write an obituary on Mexicana. It appears this was a sensible move (I hate apologising) because there is light at the end of the tunnel for Mexico's premier Airline. Like Alitalia the plan involves a massive reduction in Routes, Fleet and Staff. Therefore a successful re-launch will depend on

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-57050221712640201962010-11-11T16:46:00.004Z2010-11-11T16:52:49.038Z

The only people to come out of the Student Protest in London Yesterday with Honour were the Policemen and Women who stood their ground and despite being attacked with 'missiles' as well as abuse acted with restraint and paid a price for it with a total of 41 officers received injuries, and a "small number" were taken to hospital for treatment before being released.A policeman who was injured in

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-79432782794560615382010-11-10T08:36:00.002Z2010-11-10T08:42:18.046Z

'Forever Young', is a song that was inspired by the people of Wootton Bassett for the silent and moving way they repatriate our fallen troops through the town. All involved in the production of this song gave of their time and talent for free, and all profits will be donated to the Charity 'Afghan Heroes' who's goal it is; to help and support

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-55917189476651964792010-11-08T14:10:00.001Z2010-11-08T14:10:58.566Z

This question was posed in a tweet by @Warwick_Ashford, which was retweeted to me. He raised the question because of this article US Cyber Command calls for offensive powers in Computer Weekly.The debate in the US over this request is not over National Interest, or National Security, but over the Legality of offensive operations and some Senior Advisors and Lawyers want to limit such operations

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-64810995299228428712010-11-08T06:39:00.000Z2010-11-08T06:40:00.179Z

In the Telegraph online for 08th November 2010 there is an Article, Headlined: Drug-addicted criminals will be spared jail which indicates Kenneth Clarke and his officials at the Ministry of Justice are working out plans to get the Police and the Courts to the Mentally ill and Drug Addicts from Prison sentencing to “treatment-based accommodation”.As in previous posts on Law & Order, my views are

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-27524246086894137102010-11-05T18:55:00.002Z2010-11-08T06:41:53.047Z

Republication: See Original Blog Post by: Douglas Carswell MP: Governed by judges?Abu Hamza must have a passport. Prisoners must have votes.Ever get the feeling public policy is increasingly made by judges, rather than anyone you elected? And then we wonder why voters are starting to get hacked off with politicians for talking the talk, but not taking action?Posted on 5 November 2010 by

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-37424289845338549102010-11-02T05:37:00.003Z2010-11-02T10:08:47.446Z

First a statement of my view on this: Convicts should NOT get the Vote!Sadly as a British Citizen I do NOT have the right to Vote on this issue, my Elected Representative does NOT have the right to try and get this ruling over turned, 'the extremely disappointed' Theresa May as Home Secretary can do nothing (which is actually no surprise, but on this occasion not her fault), the Prime Minister

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-32153371232328172832010-11-01T11:18:00.004Z2010-11-02T14:57:38.700Z

Despite the apparent sophistication of the Devices, the attack using Parcel Bombs Carried on Aircraft has, at least so far failed, or has it?Even though detected, due the Media frenzy Worldwide a classic climate of Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt (FUD) has been generated, this in it's self could be considered a win by those who planned/authorised the attacks. There is nothing new about Parcel Bombs

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-27227674594043475442010-09-17T11:25:00.002+01:002010-09-17T11:28:21.144+01:00

In the Telegraph on the 17the Sept is the text of a speech given to the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals by Jonathan Evans head of MI5 in which he covers what the service sees as the current threats to British Homeland Security.The revival of Terrorist Activity in the Province of Northern Island.Extract: A persistent rise in terrorist activity and ambition in Northern Ireland over the

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-59998098663853933302010-09-15T13:07:00.002+01:002010-09-15T13:27:35.025+01:00

Having read Defence review: 'Carriers give politicians options – not dead ends' an Article by Duncan Redford in the Telegraph, I am going to add my 'totally unqualified to comment' 10 pennyworth!A modern well equipped Warship forms a defensive bubble around itself and if the armament includes Cruise Missiles can provide considerable offensive capability, but that offensive capability lacks

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-48827552900931545212010-09-14T17:43:00.002+01:002010-09-14T17:49:04.890+01:00

Following my previous post: Defence of Britain, I read Thomas Harding's article: Strategic Defence and Security Review: four future scenarios and how they might play out in the Telegraph, which mentioned and in turn led me to read the Ministry of Defence Document: The Future Character of Conflict. Neither the Article, nor the Document make comfortable reading.In the Article Harding look at 4

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-61188095467405686692010-09-14T12:56:00.003+01:002010-09-14T12:58:08.440+01:00

In recent times I have not specifically covered Defence as regards policy, or politics, in the hope that Richard North would cover these areas in his Defence of the Realm Blog but as Richard is strangely quiet in that Blog (although he does touch on defence in the EU Referendum blog), I thought I would at least bring the following two articles in the Telegraph to your attention:Strategic Defence

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-81817892916669059592010-09-11T18:55:00.005+01:002010-09-13T13:50:29.925+01:00

I welcome the Independent Extradition Review which in particular will put the current US-UK Extradition Treaty of 2003, the European Arrest Warrant and the more general EU Extradition arrangements under the Microscope, but will also cover Extradition Treaties with other Jurisdictions.Starting off with the US-UK Extradition Treaty, which despite US Assertions that it fair, is probably one the most

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-47863443166896852122010-08-31T08:51:00.002+01:002010-08-31T13:47:31.725+01:00

In my last post on Mexicana: Bringing Mexicana Back from the Brink - Step 1ended with: but the future looks brighter than it did when I posted Will Mexicana Survive? on the 5th August.Unfortunately the brightness I saw was a false dawn. The Darkness began to descend again on Mexicana when Tenedora K, the new owners of the holding company Nuevo Grupo Aeronautico attempted to lay off 1,366 Cabin

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-69722057452297225742010-08-25T10:13:00.002+01:002010-08-31T09:07:41.488+01:00

A Mexican Consortium has stepped to take a controlling interest in Mexicana. The consortium named Tenedora K has been formed specifically to buy a 95% Shareholding in Nuevo Grupo Aeronautico which is the holding company for Mexicana and its domestic operations offshoots Mexicana Click and Mexicana Link. The remaining 5% of the shares remains with the Pilots Union, who through their leader

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-67761534551595132942010-08-05T20:23:00.002+01:002010-08-07T13:29:03.574+01:00

The Airline Industry is a really tough competitive environment with no room for sentiment. But I have been watching with considerable sadness the rapid and accelerating decline of Mexicana. The 89 year old Airline has been in serious financial straits for a long while and to turn this into a potentially fatal crisis needed a trigger to be pulled and on the 29th July it was: Canada cancels 2

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-90314120938019803332010-08-05T16:55:00.003+01:002010-08-05T17:31:51.214+01:00

The Following from the MP for Clacton -Doug Carswell's Blog The EU is sinkingAllister Heath, one of our top economic commentators, reminds us intoday’s City AM of the speed with which industrial production has moved from the West;“In 2008 ... China produced more steel than the USA, the EU and Japan put together. ... China is now also by far the world’s leading car producer, turning out 13.8m

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-10963226973645957062010-07-21T19:41:00.002+01:002010-07-21T19:44:10.394+01:00

Two aircraft landed in Southern Britain the other day at two different Airports :The first carried a group of over paid, under achievers who complained they were tired and missed their families after two weeks in five star accommodation.The other carried the coffins of 7 fallen soldiers who had spent months away from loved ones living in tents in a war zone, giving their lives for their country.

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-87127257792571022212010-07-19T11:49:00.002+01:002010-07-19T11:52:09.710+01:00

I received the following as a Chain Email with the subject line Keep this going; only takes 30 seconds which if it had not been from a trusted address would have been deleted. Instead I am republishing it here in the hope it will find a wider audience:It is always good to see pictures like these. It proves they are BIG softies really:Proof of 'abuse' by our Troops:Armed Troops Force Afghans to

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-41025631917139374752010-07-19T07:49:00.004+01:002010-07-19T10:46:30.401+01:00

Over the Weekend I spent some time reading the Institution of Civil Engineers Report: Rethinking Aviation. This once again reminded me how pathetic British Transport Planning has been for the last 45 Years due to Party Political Interests being considered overwhelming important and the National Interest usually not only being an incredibly poor second, but often a even poorer third if a Cabinet

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-72577915451883752552010-07-15T01:47:00.003+01:002010-07-15T01:56:26.649+01:00

I have to admit to being in total agreement with Prime Minister David Cameron's Comments in Parliament:'It is absolutely clear that Raoul Moat was a callous murderer, full stop, end of story. I cannot understand any wave, however small, of public sympathy for this man. There should be sympathy for his victims and the havoc he wreaked in that community. There should be no sympathy for him.'My

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-27275869889610500452010-07-13T07:49:00.004+01:002010-07-13T08:07:05.627+01:00

That 'jolly nice chap' Andrew Bridges, the Chief Inspector of Probation has issued what his probably his last report (CIoP Report 2009-2010) before he steps down next year and in the process has raised a storm of controversy.In the foreword, entitled What Price Public Protection? - No Trite Solutions he has taken the opportunity to raise some serious, but in his own words 'emotive issues'. The

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-72778208674274852452010-07-10T14:24:00.001+01:002010-07-10T14:24:38.284+01:00

Back at end of the first Quarter of 2010 a Mail shot began appearing in the letter boxes of smaller Businesses across Britain, in this case from Cardell Media. Small Business receive Mailshots all the time, so nothing unusual in that. But this one not only resulted in a complaint to the ASA (Advertising Standards Agency) but also a number of Business Owners decided to air their views via their

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-51609310509302626632010-07-10T03:34:00.003+01:002010-07-10T04:12:55.233+01:00

The European Court of Human Rights has ordered a halt to the extradition to the US on terror charges of radical cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri and three other men.Excuse Me...Whilst I loathe the 2003 Extradition Treaty between the USA and UK because of its imbalance, this Treaty was entered into by the Elected Government of the Sovereign United Kingdom. I don't remember voting, for, or against this

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-54542928332018507252010-07-09T12:54:00.001+01:002010-07-09T12:54:29.693+01:00

Back in May Abid Naseer won his appeal against deportation from the UK back to Pakistan despite the Judge noting that he: "posed and still poses a serious threat to the national security of the United Kingdom". But despite this, he was NOT deported because of Human Rights Issues (See: Judge Determines Man is a Security Threat, but will NOT deport Him!).However it appears that this Terrorist is

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-16604285352869327602010-07-04T03:40:00.006+01:002010-07-04T03:58:30.752+01:00

I have been looking for some way of summarising my view of England's Performance against Germany in the World Cup. But every time I attempted to do so it descended into an unprintable rant.Fortunately Grahame LJones of the LA Times in his article:There's no disputing that England deserved its loss to Germanyhas come to my rescue with the following:The sad truth of the matter is that England's

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-42888975811271773702010-05-30T20:01:00.002+01:002010-05-30T20:04:25.994+01:00

David Law's resignation was a surprise as I having read up on him, I began to suspect he might be a useful Minister of the Crown. But ripping off the taxpayers to the tune of £40,000 to pay your secret partner in a gay relationship rent, once again means I my hopes are sadly dashed. Despite doing the honourable thing and resigning (

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-17945509439429736592010-05-18T13:29:00.001+01:002010-05-18T13:29:21.812+01:00

At a Special Immigration court Mr Justice Mitting's judgement on  the first of two Pakistani Citizens: Abid Naseer appealing against Deportation concluded:"We are satisfied that Naseer was an al-Qaeda operative who posed and still poses a serious threat to the national security of the United Kingdom," and added "Subject to the issue of safety on return, it is conducive to the public good that

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-30416575360824843152010-05-16T12:23:00.002+01:002010-05-16T12:25:47.156+01:00

The new UK Coalition Government is determined to scrap both the New Generation of Biometric Passports and ID Cards and therefore the National Identity Register.Whilst this is not news, I had hoped once the new Government was in power there would be a realisation that whilst the Labour Government's handling of the planning and initial implementation was 'poor' to say the least, these projects were

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-45276110999099749502010-03-23T05:11:00.001Z2010-03-23T05:11:53.002Z

There is an excellent Website called TheyWorkForYou that tracks the Parliamentary Activities of UK Politicians in the Assemblies, Commons and Lords. Unfortunately it does not track their other activities, their second, third, or even fourth jobs, their trips paid for by overseas Governments (which in some cases it appears has meant certain MPs have become 'agents of influence' ) and playing the

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-46248821014622507232010-03-04T04:31:00.003Z2010-03-04T04:37:42.682Z

The remit of the BBC is to Inform, Educate and Entertain. In pursuit of these objectives the BBC has become the most trusted Broadcaster in the World. It is also an innovator, or at the very least an early adopter of new forms of media from Television through to today's Digital World, but at the same time continuing to develop its base in Radio and Print Publishing (the Radio Times started back n

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-20502293316967250152010-03-03T19:05:00.006Z2010-07-17T15:24:49.458+01:00

When United Airlines Loading Staff broke singer/songwriter Dave Carroll's $3,500 Taylor Guitar by throwing it about (along with the bands other instruments) and then wouldn't pay compensation. Well in his final email to them, he advised he was going to write and produce three songs which then form the Music to three Videos which would then be posted online. The third song was released on the 2nd

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-85255457241092457052010-02-19T14:17:00.002Z2010-02-19T14:25:07.515Z

Back in October 2008 I posted an Article on: High Speed Trains and Heathrows Third Runway which ended with:Transport is too important nationally to be a political football. We have wasted at least 40 years, please, don't waste the next 40!In France where there appears a separation between National Interest and Party Politics so lacking in Britain, there has been a consistent integrated National

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-36867239903718117432010-02-15T09:15:00.002Z2010-02-15T10:25:15.035Z

Whilst the Guido Fawkes Blog is largely read by Politicians, Lawyers and City Movers & Shakers, (not always with enjoyment - Hazel Blears in a speech described it as the vicious nihilism of Guido Fawkes), some of his articles should receive a wider audience. The following is an entire post made on the 6th January 2010: Start Guido Fawkes Post:Mad Mullah Gets More Than Frontline Soldier Here

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-79290653946241725072010-02-10T15:56:00.002Z2010-02-10T22:14:43.654Z

Britain has a tradition of awarding medals for displays of exceptional Courage, in the Armed Services (In the Army, one regiment will submit a request for an award, but another for exactly the same act will not, considering it within expected behaviour of members of that Regiment), the Police and Civilian Population. Getting an award in the Security Services, SIS (aka MI 6), or MI 5, is shall we

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-81068467983745425422010-02-04T09:14:00.001Z2010-02-04T09:14:55.297Z

After reading the following please sign the E-PetitionThe German and French governments have started to encourage people to upgrade away from the browser Internet Explorer 6 (IE6).IE6 has some security flaws that leave users vulnerable. These two governments have let their populations know that an upgrade will keep them safer online. We should follow them.When the UK government does this, most of

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-59351138181877208252010-01-31T15:16:00.003Z2010-01-31T15:29:23.641Z

Support the BBMF with your votePhotograph and Copyright Caz Caswell - Used with PermissionIt has been suggested that the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) which celebrates the sacrifice of those who flew during the 2nd World War, will be part of the next round of defence cuts. This will be a travesty if it goes ahead.The BBMF costs a mere £3m a year, less than 0.1% of the defence

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-33827776802261800622010-01-31T14:37:00.003Z2010-01-31T16:37:26.505Z

On the 13th January the new Alitalia celebrated one year of Operations.Back in the summer and autumn of 2008 continuing into January 2009 I posted some blog entries which cast considerable doubt that Alitalia would have a future.Well I was (I am pleased to say) wrong! The phoenix like new Alitalia despite a very rocky few days when re-launched has made great strides towards becoming a profitable

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-43744494576498928252010-01-01T05:47:00.002Z2010-01-01T05:55:29.115Z

Michael Yon has been spending time with the US Army 1-17th Infantry Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division much of it at a the small base at Arghandab in Afghanistan, which sits on the bordeline of 'friendly' and 'enemy' territory.His blog article on New years Eve 2009 entitled: Into Thine Hand I Commit My Spirit is dedicated to a Memorial Tepee that has been erected just next to the

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-78107976896415442472009-12-27T08:36:00.004Z2009-12-27T09:27:49.596Z

In what could be a five, or even six month lead up to the next United Kingdom General Election, the parties will be preparing their Manifestoes to explain what they will do if they win.As the teams of backroom specialists, spin doctors and election hierarchy from each party work on these documents, there is a window in which non-political groups can galvanise opinion in an attempt to ensure cross

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-44266928642024394132009-12-02T19:08:00.001Z2009-12-02T19:08:30.132Z

The Author of this Article, Mark Jago is a semi-regular contributor to this Blog, however his insights on issues of the day, are to be increasing found in the comments section of articles published online by the better UK Newspapers.The above headline is borrowed from an article written by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling on the 2nd December 2009 in the online Times paper laying

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-22567931390299903592009-11-30T18:13:00.001Z2009-11-30T18:13:21.928Z

The Author of this Article, Mark Jago is a semi-regular contributor to this Blog, however his insights on issues of the day, are to be increasing found in the comments section of articles published online by the better UK Newspapers.An article in The Times "Oil companies in rush for London Stock Exchange listings" during the weekend paper got me thinking that while there is much hype over energy

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-83098729445502880282009-11-28T05:28:00.001Z2009-11-28T05:28:46.502Z

My views on the Gary McKinnon Case and the Extradition Treaty were detailed on the 01st August 2009 in this post.Extradite Gary McKinnon, no problem. But now let's fix the Extradition TreatyEven the Home Secretary after reversing his decision to not to review the case (U-Turns being one of the few things British Ministers seem good at), has found that there are NO valid reasons to stop the

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-11879828326791228902009-11-25T15:02:00.004Z2009-11-25T15:16:13.676Z

The Idle Man is on day five of recovering from an extremely frightening medical problem (not being able to breath - I guess this something those with serious asthma, experience with dread). Fortunately due the immediate support of my Neighbours Cato (Catherine) and Phil at the ungodly hour of 02:30 in the morning and the timely arrival and efforts of the London Ambulance team (Peter and a very

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-85875811354834840742009-11-15T05:59:00.001Z2009-11-15T05:59:31.112Z

2010 marks the 50th Birthday of Avro Vulcan XH558 - Built in 1960 and today the last of her kind flying anywhere in the World. Keeping such a large, complex unique Aircraft flying safely costs a lot of money and as this is a British Conservation Project funds are always on a knife edge. At this time of year with no revenue from Display Appearances and Annual Maintenance a priority, just paying

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-1325616433701194402009-09-13T10:46:00.002+01:002011-05-20T06:46:47.939+01:00

I have been leaving the slating of the Ministry of Defence systemic failures in Procurement to the redoubtable Richard North over at the Defence of the Realm, but this one it appears has slipped his notice. Fortunately The Register picked up on this in its story of the 8th September: Army's £114m battle-comms net not up to Afghan demands with the sub-heading of: Israeli off-the-shelf replacements

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-80826175560332993242009-09-09T18:24:00.000+01:002009-09-09T18:25:06.638+01:00

The planned merger between Orange and T-Mobile would mean the merged entity would have more than 28 Million Subscribers and a Market Share of 37%.These numbers mean that in round figures there are 76 Million Mobile Phone Subscribers in the United Kingdom.So there is one Mobile Subscription for every Man, Woman and Child (including babies), with another 15 Million covering those with Multiple

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-33697978977302941842009-09-07T16:46:00.002+01:002009-09-08T18:10:14.289+01:00

Michael Yon who?American Citizen and former United States Army Green Beret, turned Author and Reporter. He recently spent approximately a month with British Forces (for whom he has a lot of respect) in Helmand Province and spent his time living and patrolling with the 2nd Rifles (a Unit he had previously spent time with in Iraq). His stay would have been longer, but the Ministry of Defence (bless

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-54467304880281486402009-08-27T09:42:00.004+01:002009-08-27T10:07:56.512+01:00

Senator Edward Kennedy died on the 25 August 2009. I will not mourn him, but his death has reminded me to mourn for the British Soldiers and Civilians killed, or maimed in Northern Ireland during Senator Kennedy's 30 year support of Terrorism in the United Kingdom Province of Northern Ireland and his positive encouragement to Americans to give money to the 'cause', which misguidedly they did, to

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-46914533667389689242009-08-19T18:08:00.003+01:002009-08-27T11:20:59.676+01:00

When United Airlines Loading Staff broke singer/songwriter Dave Carroll's $3,500 Taylor Guitar by throwing it about (along with the bands other instruments) and then wouldn't pay compensation. Well in his final email to them, he advised he was going to write and produce three songs which then form the Music to three Videos which would then be posted online. See the Post: United Airlines did him

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-91288786673419457092009-08-17T06:12:00.002+01:002009-08-17T07:02:06.028+01:00

In the United Kingdom the real cost of many Telephone Calls whether from a Landline, or a Mobile has fallen over recent times, but there is one 'black spot', called the Mobile Termination Rate which is currently around 4.7p per minute that provides a 'cash cow' for Mobile Network Operators whilst resulting in a nasty surprise for consumers.The Mobile Termination Rate, normally abbreviated to MTR

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-49710991586099130452009-08-16T07:52:00.002+01:002009-08-16T08:02:08.463+01:00

A News Item in Silicon.com: - One in 78: The chances your comms are being monitored forms a teaser to a much more detailed news report from ZDNet UK: Public targeted by 1,500 monitoring bids per day. So quoting from the ZDNet article: Police, local councils and other UK public authorities made more than half-a-million requests to see citizens' communications data in 2008, according to a watchdog

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-50829725411318709532009-08-04T21:52:00.004+01:002009-08-05T07:16:14.708+01:00

I received this as a chain email and unusually for me, immediately passed it on to many of my contacts. However by posting it here I hope to distribute it even more widely and quickly - The Idle Man:If you read this, you WILL forward it on.You just won't be able to stop yourself. Here's to the heroes: Especially for all of the young ones we have recently lost.The average age of

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-68283574127754486792009-08-01T12:52:00.011+01:002009-08-07T18:06:35.508+01:00

The Idle Man has followed the Gary McKinnon Hacker Case with some interest, but with little sympathy for Mr McKinnon. After all he is not being accused of some minor misdemeanour, but of hacking into the computer systems of the United States Army, Navy and Air Force, plus the United States Department of Defence and NASA, as well as sabotaging vital American military systems after the terror

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-15420092433906937642009-07-23T17:50:00.009+01:002010-08-10T07:54:00.039+01:00

Post Updated on the 3rd March 2010 to cover the entire trilogy of Songa/Videos:When United Airlines Loading Staff broke singer/songwriter Dave Carroll's $3,500 Taylor Guitar by throwing it about (along with the bands other instruments), he started what should have been a simple compensation claim, which ended NINE MONTHS later with United Airlines final refusal to pay compensation, So in his very

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-27019835436673592322009-07-13T11:31:00.002+01:002009-07-13T12:05:31.984+01:00

Not my headline but one from an Article with same title by Rowena Mason in the Daily Telegraph on Wednesday the 8th Jul 2009, which can be viewed here:UK facing 'energy crunch' as North Sea oil and gas cash dries up.I found this article both interesting (and recommend that visitors take the time to read it) and at the same time ironic as Mark Jago's article in this blog on the 5th January 2009

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-4145444211960254262009-07-02T14:20:00.001+01:002009-07-02T14:20:43.825+01:00

I apologise if this infringes copyright, but when I received it in an email, it brought a wry smile and I had to share.

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-34598509601344757072009-06-23T13:07:00.003+01:002009-06-24T22:45:38.748+01:00

An Article by: Mark Jago - Published with his permission.The Opinions Expressed are those of the Author, who assures me the article was written under the influence of nothing stronger than decaffeinated coffee:Good news, the Government is working tirelessly to create jobs for those British citizens negatively affected by the global economic crisis brought on by outside forces that would seek to

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-81938811868540435772009-06-15T10:22:00.003+01:002009-06-15T11:59:37.270+01:00

An Article by: Mark Jago - Published with his permission.The Opinions Expressed are those of the Author.It comes as a relief to hear that the rabble that call themselves politicians will be shortly shuffling off to their respective constancies for a long undeserved break from Parliament through to October.It seems to me too much of a coincidence that the public should be subjected to a sordid

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-25988123189321836162009-06-11T10:10:00.004+01:002009-07-13T12:06:19.797+01:00

The Idle Man has for sometime believed there were reasons beyond the obvious (anti-immigration and pure racism) why people vote for the BNP, but couldn't formulate a clear perspective of what these reasons might be (probably in part because of my intense dislike of the party). I finally came across an Article by David Lindsay (a writer based in Lanchester, County Durham. He has been a Councillor

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-60372139498766067222009-06-10T10:33:00.006+01:002009-06-12T00:08:50.728+01:00

The following is a genuine letter (with the senders details removed) which was sent to the Prime Minister on the 15th May 2009. The contents will strike a cord with 1,000's of women, who have reached pensionable age and then discovered that because during their working life they had to take time out to care for members of their family, they are considered to be worth less than an unemployed

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-76540545075858369892009-06-08T11:13:00.005+01:002009-08-17T05:54:22.196+01:00

Which UK Party has the following as part of its core policy?We will freeze immigration for five years, speed up deportation ofup to a million illegal immigrants by tripling the numbers engaged indeportations, and have ‘no home no visa’ work permits to ease thehousing crisis.No not the BNP, who now have two MEPs, but UKIP with 13 MEPs.Staying with UKIP as they now have the second largest number of

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-61110292719097091962009-06-08T03:45:00.005+01:002009-06-08T10:00:50.456+01:00

The results mean, unlike the Idle Man, most Labour MP's will have trouble sleeping. Not of course over the problems that face the country, but over their careers. The Disasters in Wales and the South West are just bigger blackspots in a nationwide picture of misery for the Labour Party (and I am sorry to say I cannot find even a smidgen of sympathy for their plight).The Conservative Leadership

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-45054402186688213382009-06-07T19:33:00.005+01:002009-06-08T11:33:44.144+01:00

Hell hath no fury like a Woman Scorned: Well Gordon Brown has scorned three women recently and one about a year ago. Plus a number other Ladies, who feel disgruntled and marginalised since Gordon became PM.The result the monthly Quiet Girls Night Dinners for Senior Members of the Sisterhood (a body of female Labour MPs more loyal to each other than their party and Blairites to a woman - Surely

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-36490911717775471762009-06-04T02:16:00.005+01:002009-06-04T03:09:56.653+01:00

The base salary for an MP is nearly £65,000. Which is about twice what many of them are worth. But if based on the 'job description' is probably about £15,000 too low.Now MP's salaries and expenses have been in the Media spotlight with the BBC in there with the best of them (and quite rightly so).Yet when it comes to the contracts for its Radio and TV Presenters, it suddenly goes very coy.

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-5655686779061840962009-05-22T18:23:00.003+01:002009-05-22T18:35:10.585+01:00

I has not previously posted on the scandal of MP's Expenses, because:The Daily and Sunday Telegraph were doing such a good job of covering this and the rest of the Mainstream media rushed in with a feeding frenzy to cover any angles that the Telegraph had not dealt with. Thus making any post from me irrelevent.I was not surprised that some MPs were feeding off the expenses gravy train to an

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-12600433660321371452009-05-14T13:42:00.004+01:002009-05-14T13:51:37.226+01:00

An internet group is urging internet users to send a copy of all emails they send and receive on the 15th June to Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary in protest against the government's plans to monitor internet communications (emails, VoIP calls, texts, internet usage etc). Actually the email address is Home Office Address for comments regarding the Policy Consultation Document and not Jacqui Smith

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-25182427031430463982009-05-11T17:17:00.003+01:002009-05-11T17:42:32.560+01:00

When Alex Henshaw set the record back in 1939 in in a single engined and especially modified Percival Mew Gull Racing Aircraft G AEXF: He flew London - Cape Town - London round trip in Four days, 10 hours and 16 minutes.No one then could have predicted it would be 70 years before that record would be broken.Today the 11th May 2009 Charles 'Chalkie' Stobbart completed the same trip in a

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-48265604522442172872009-05-08T18:22:00.002+01:002009-05-08T18:28:07.132+01:00

An Article by: Mark Jago - Published with his permissionThe Opinions Expressed are those of the Author.I hate to say that I told you so, if you read my article posted here on the 5th of January about how the Governments inept credit crises policies are inflicting social and economic damage. You will begin to understand why day by day their fiddling is the root cause of the continuing economic

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-22704862592634052072009-04-29T15:23:00.002+01:002009-04-30T10:36:54.216+01:00

On the 4th May 1979 Mrs Margaret Thatcher became the first Woman Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The next 11 Years saw her Government change Britain and the landscape of British Politics. It is now nearly 19 Years since she was ousted as Prime Minister and yet her legacy still influences both daily and political life.Love her, or loath her (and some manage to do both) she stands out as one

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-15358797945100595912009-04-07T14:13:00.002+01:002009-04-07T14:15:33.795+01:00

Not unfortunately my Headline, but from an article in the Telegraph on the 29th March 2009.As one of the Lords Spiritual Dr Michael James Nazir-Ali has only come to the Idle Man's attention once before when he controversially, but almost certainly accurately warned that parts of the country had been turned into 'no-go' areas for non-muslims. Which inevitably led to him and his family receiving

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-79288695203695216432009-03-30T07:37:00.004+01:002009-05-08T18:17:12.139+01:00

Another thought provoking article by Mark Jago - Republished here with permission:Most people are already aware of five point plan that is the substance of the Thursday event, as it has been made available to the media prior to the G20 summit. What remains is choreographed theatre that political leaders feel obliged to participate in as a PR exercise for consumption by their respective home

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-70162864571737500512009-03-24T14:01:00.008Z2010-02-15T10:22:37.927Z

The Rt Hon Hazel Blears Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has for a variety of reasons started to move from the fuzzy edges of the Idle Man's Political Radar to being further into focus.So I started to do a smidgen of research on the Lady and came across a BBC Headline: Blears attacks political bloggers. Oh Sigh! - Hazel Blears having a swipe at the nasty little

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-63000120084887891702009-03-11T10:59:00.005Z2009-03-12T02:01:54.237Z

Abdullah Ghulam Rasoul FIG (Former Inmate Guantanamo) and now using the nom de guerre Mullah Abdullah Zakir, has been identified as the Taliban's Chief of Operations in Southern Afghanistan. His stated mission is to step up Taliban Operations to Counter the US Surge.Whilst the Idle Man has long suspected that being a FIG would become a 'badge of honour', like JBB (Jailed By the British) was in

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-2192353774315327922009-03-04T11:23:00.004Z2009-03-11T11:07:10.985Z

There has been a lot of criticism over the measures taken by Pakistan to secure the safety of the Sri Lankan Cricket Team.Well six Policemen Died in the Line of Duty as part of that security failure!Ambushed and Outgunned the Police did not really stand much chance, but their deaths along with the quick actions of the Driver of the Team Coach saved the Cricketers lives.Already their deaths and

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-88298422168259382762009-03-02T10:22:00.002Z2009-03-02T10:24:01.455Z

Today the 2nd March 2009 is the 40th Anniversary of Concorde's First Flight on the 2nd March 1968 and the Fleet was withdrawn from service 34 Years later on the 24th October 2003.The following YouTube movie (one of the many of Concorde) makes a fitting tribute to this great aircraft: Concorde: First Flight

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-43651136413158108072009-02-24T10:01:00.005Z2009-02-24T10:29:51.044Z

The news that budget airline Ryanair has started to rollout an in-flight mobile phone voice service should come as no surprise, after all back in 2006 the company announced it would be introducing the service 'soon' . Ryanair is constantly looking at ways to generate additional in-flight revenue and has worked extremely hard to fully understand the services that will sell to its passenger

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-57244132073612341732009-02-21T02:06:00.003Z2009-02-22T16:13:59.964Z

One of the Blogs the Idle Man considers a must read is:Defence of the RealmWhilst I don't always agree with the authors opinions, I do find the articles interesting and thought provoking. Currently there is a series running on this blog entitled: Lost Before it Started, which is highly critical of the senior echelons of the British Army, the MOD and their Political Masters.Whilst the main theme

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9808000.post-56211863204180965852009-02-19T19:50:00.002Z2009-02-19T19:52:14.773Z

This picture series of 11 Photographs forms a follow-up to the post on the 26th January 2009: Recovery of US Air Airbus A320 from the Hudson RiverThis post covers the transport of the Aircraft Fuselage through the streets of Red Hook New York State during its transfer to a Hangar for detailed examination:Copyright Unknown.

Douglas Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11086423679682233618noreply@blogger.com0