Summary of England's Performance against Germany

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 Germany
has come to my rescue with the following:
The sad truth of the matter is that England's players, with few exceptions, are an arrogant, ignorant and unpleasant lot. They are paid far too much by their Premier League clubs, where their true allegiance lies, and their ability individually and collectively in an England shirt does not match their swagger.
Excellent Grahame Thank You Sir!

His comments on British Tabloids are also worth reading,

A final note, as those you can be bothered to read my ramblings know, I consider myself British not English and believe in all sports the National Team should be made up of Players from all parts of the UK and not individual teams from the 'Home Countries'.

The David Law Resignation

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 (and thence leaving
public life to do good work outside the media spotlight - Sorry being naive again), the
indications are the Coalition will follow Labour's lead and he will
become a 'Revolving Door Minister'.

Whilst from my research into Mr Law, he certainly has the intellectual
ability to be a Minister of the Crown, and I don't care if he is Gay,
but keeping that fact a Secret and in the process paying a lot of money
to his male Partner, shows a lack of both Courage and Integrity, both of which
are necessary in Ministerial Posts.

Judge Determines Man is a Security Threat, but will NOT deport Him!

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 he should be deported."

Abid Naseer

So there we are this man is deemed a Danger to the Citizens of the United Kingdom and therefore should be deported immediately. But NO, the Judge then determined that it was impossible to return the men ( the second man being: Ahmad Faraz Khan)  to Pakistan - Actually it's very easy, police officers escort them to the Airport and travel with them on a Plane and then hand them over to the Authorities. But of course the safety of Abid Nasser and Ahmad Faraz Khan is much more important than the safety of United Kingdom Citizens as the Judge decided that "There is a long and well-documented history of disappearances, illegal detention and of the torture and ill-treatment of those detained, usually to produce information, a confession or compliance" - by the Pakistani Authorities. Which is interesting as three other Pakistani Citizens Arrested with Abid Naseer and Ahmad Faraz Khan have returned to Pakistan of their own free will!

Ahmad Faraz Khan

Of course the new Home Secretary will be appealing against this decision? NO she is NOT; instead she said she was 'disappointed'.
Well Theresa May I am disappointed in you as already you have failed in your duty to protect Public Safety by not even trying to get this ruling  reversed, NOT a good start!

For more details see:
BBC: - 'Al-Qaeda ringleader' wins appeal against deportation
Guardian:  - Pakistani students arrested in anti-terror raids can stay in UK
Telegraph: - Pakistani students arrested in terror raids win deportation battle

Biometric Passports & ID Cards are Necessary

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 beginning to progress towards being not only a much needed addition to our Border and Internal Security, but also would have the potential to be useful across all Government Departments and even, in the case of ID Cards have the potential to be useful to citizens in everyday life both as a way of proving identity and when , as is inevitable dealing with Government both Local and National.

But of course getting rid of them is going to be simple as both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats were against them and therefore getting them cancelled will be easily passed by Parliament.

Of course wasting all the public money already spent on a £5.4 Billion project is not going to even cause them a smidgen of concern.

But hey, let's not let National Security, or the other benefits of this project get in
the way of populist politics.

MPs - They Work for Who? Well it appears many don't work for You

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 expenses game so far outside the relaxed rules that some face criminal proceedings.

It makes you wonder how they find the time to represent the people who elected them. Well of course if you have multiple jobs and are busy on junkets paid for by foreign governments, whilst fiddling your expenses, you have to fit the representing of your constituents and helping to decide on what is best for the Nation into whatever time is left over (not much)!

I have for a long time now viewed British Politics as a trade, rather than a profession and certainly not an elite. I also have long realised that as in some other trades the number of 'dodgy operators' is significant, but even as a hardened cynic, I am stunned at how bad it has become.

I was brought up on the principle that even if you cannot respect the Man (or Woman), respect the Position they hold.
The inability of Parliament to self regulate it affairs, to stamp out corruption and to remove the corrupt, means I cannot respect the institution, the position of the members nor the members themselves. I used to believe that most MPs were reasonably honest, and attempting to do the job well (even if not actually that good at it) and from this group a few would make good Ministers of the Crown. Belief has now been replaced by hope and prayer, not helped by David Cameron replacing Tony Blair in the Murdoch Bed.

How long before Nigerians begin to view their Politicians as being more honourable than their British Counterparts?
The ways things are going not long,

BBC Review - BBC Trust and DG Running Scared!

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 the 1920's), in the process it has become not just a National Icon, but one of the few British Institutions that are respected, trusted and admired worldwide.

The BBC like the Royal Family has to be seen to be apolitical (above politics, unbiased) and also or ensure niche audiences are catered for. In the modern era the need to be seen as 'apolitical' has meant that Politicians of almost every shade of opinion consider the BBC is biased against them (good it means the BBC is doing its job). Increasingly Commercial Broadcasting, Internet and Publishing Companies led by Rupert Murdoch's News International have launched ever more virulent attacks against the BBC. This has led to the BBC being attacked on two fronts.

Why because the BBC is good at what it does and they cannot compete? Well yes of course, but the Commercial Media spin their inability to compete because the BBC's is publicly funded through the Licence Fee, whilst they, who are more interested in Profit for their shareholders are not. Well, if you cannot compete with a Broadcaster that has to provide programming you would NEVER consider because it would never make a profit, provide coverage which you again aren't interested in and because of its remit do many things that you would not do, because it would harm your advertising revenue and therefore damage profits, then maybe the problem is that you are just not good enough to compete in the areas where you and the BBC meet head on!

Britain's Politicians have always had an uneasy relationship with the BBC, but as being a Politician has increasingly meant you also have to be a Media Personality the relationship has worsened. Normally I would see this as a case of if you want to be a Political Leader then facing for instance, Jeremy Paxman in Rottweiler mode is part of being in the trade.
But it is obvious that the Conservatives in particular are gunning for the BBC and now they have climbed into bed with Rupert Murdoch, the BBC leadership and in particular its oversight organisation the BBC Trust appear to be running scared.

The BBC's Independence from Government and Politics is paramount if it is to meet its remit, running scared is not the answer but fighting back does present a conundrum. As an apolitical organisation the BBC has it hands tied and cannot galvanise the public in its defence, because to do so would obviously be a political bias. So it is left to those outside the BBC to defend it
But this also is not as easy as it should be, because of lax management the BBC has been shooting itself in the foot ranging from Blue Peter Competitions through to employing the 'over aged juveniles' Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand and even allowing a discredited reporter back on air occasionally. Also being in the news itself over what it pays executives and talent (Jonathan Ross is deemed talent?).

Mark Thompson may be reaping what others had sown, but is he the right man to be Director General in this time of crisis? Probably not, but he is the man on seat and it is his forthcoming Strategic Review that will, assuming it passes through purview by the BBC Trust determine the future shape of the BBC and this fact concerns me greatly.

Although less high profile, the Conservatives, if they win the next election also plan to scrap Ofcom the independent regulator for Communications and bring it back under Government Control. Whilst not a fan of quanos in general, in the case of independent regulators I am willing to make an exception. I would prefer a more aggressive, proactive Ofcom, but would rather have the current less satisfactory version than let Politicians control the regulator, especially Politicians in bed with a media mogul!

Whilst the BBC must always try to achieve balance, companies like News International set their own agenda. When Murdoch switched his political support in the UK from Labour to the Conservatives his UK media empire followed the Bosses New Party Line (it is an old Press Baron's trick, which has evolved to the Multi-media Age). Elsewhere in the world I always found Fox News in the US a source of amusement because of its reporting bias, but amusement would turn to a great deal of concern if that type of News Channel gained any prominence in the UK.

Personal Note to the Right Honourable David Cameron MP:
Dear Dave.
Your Candidate for the Constituency which includes my West London Hilltop appears to have the qualities I want in my parliamentary representative. It is therefore sad that based on current evidence of your policies she will not be getting my vote. Your party has some good policies (but then so do the others) and some I disagree with (as do the others), but on the list of reasons why I shouldn't vote Conservative in the next election following Tony Blair into the Murdoch Bed earned your party a lot of bad marks and the orchestrated sniping at the BBC from both the front bench and even backbench, but front bench wannabees like Doug Carswell have earned you even more. The desire to drastically reduce quangos is good, but Ofcom and indeed other independent regulators should not be brought back under political control, but instead given sharper teeth and told their role is to protect the consumer and business against the Privatised excesses of the often foreign owned Utilities and in the case of Ofcom the Telecoms and Media. Profit is good, excessive profit, when the consumers are effectively captive to the service provided, with limited or no choice is unacceptable.

I look forward to your party Manifesto which I shall read several times along with those of the other parties. But at the moment mine is one vote I wouldn't count on and in this constituency that 1 vote could be important.
End Personal Note

Moving on to what the leaked elements of the Strategic Review would affect:

1. Reduced Spending on imported Programmes: Not against that in principle, but as Torin Douglas wrote in a BBC article 'But would anyone else show Mad Men, which has attracted critical acclaim but few viewers'. Hmm good one Torin as it is an excellent series and maybe the viewing figures are due scheduling rather than anything else.
   
   
2. The Teenage Market. I am not a teen, so cannot comment on how good the BBC is at satisfying that market. But it is part of the remit of the BBC to fill niche audience needs and teens are an important group!
   
   
3. Radio - Dropping 6 Music and the Asian Network. Well for me the music died with John Peel, so I cannot comment on 6 Music. As for the Asian Network, well I am not Asian and as audience figures are in decline, it is obviously not doing its job. It's another Niche Audience and again under the remit should receive some coverage, although whether as a
   separate Radio Network, I think not!
   
   
4. Cease UK Magazine Publishing. In this case, as with so much the BBC has become a victim of its own success. BBC Worldwide who are responsible for the Publishing arm were told by the Government (not the BBC Trust) go forth and make more money and they did, very successfully, with UK titles like Top Gear and the Radio Times.
   
   Guess what Commercial Publishers are now screaming foul. Ahh bless! the publishing arm is an effective commercially run organisation, so if you cannot compete then get out the market. But according to the leaked Strategic Review instead of defending this money maker the BBC is planning to outsource, or sell off titles. Yes their running scared!
   
   
5. This brings me to a Jewel in the BBC Crown, The BBC Website, or rather sites. The BBC Sites form a massive National Resource of History, Programmes Past and Present, Articles and quirky side sites like h2g2 the online encyclopaedia, similar in idea to Wikipedia, used by those who know about it but mostly ignored.
   
   Yes the BBC Sites both UK and Worldwide have grown like Topsy. Yes there could be some restructuring, but not cost cutting, instead, revamp and grow the site, News and Sports areas are basically fine, but in areas of Science, Technology and indeed any specialist subject provide links to sites that cover a given subject of an Article in-depth (some of this is does already happen, but arrange with publishers that if an article is accessed by BBC site referrer then the full article is available without a separate log-in, although any intro Advertising remains). Expand the Programme archive, restructure the Historical Sections.
   
   Commercial Online News Services in specific areas such as Computing already provide back links to the BBC and often quote BBC Website Entries in their articles (sometimes
   ironically, but mostly factually). Leverage these types of relationship.
   
   Downsizing, or in any negative way messing with the BBC Websites is
   worth going to the Barricades to stop. Improve and restructure, but
   don't anyone dare even consider slowing the growth of what is probably
   the most useful Website in the World!
   

United Airlines Did Him Wrong so a wrote a trilogy of Songs

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 March:

United Breaks Guitars Song 3 - "United We Stand" on the Right Side of Right

To see all three videos in one place go to: United Airlines did him wrong, so he wrote a song (or three)!, Originally posted in July 2009 with the first Video, updated with the second video and now the final one in the trilogy!

Politics of (Rail) Transport

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 Transport Policy, especially in regard to High Speed Rail for 40 Years. So the recent British political consensus on the need for High Speed Rail links and this cross-political support for some major projects has been a welcome 'chink of light'. One project that seemed to be a beneficiary of this welcome change is the planned High Speed Link between London and the Midlands (part of a longer term plan: New high-speed rail plan unveiled BBC August 2009), which has been around for at least 5 years.

The Conservatives have broken the Political consensus on this project by commissioning their own panel of experts to look over the proposals, which were drawn up by High Speed Two, a public company. Now this panel has not yet issued its final report to its Conservative paymasters (gosh I thought all the parties were short of cash), but as part of the cross-party consensus the Labour Government offered the Conservative Opposition a preview of the forthcoming White Paper on the project and they refused.

The question is why chose this project?

Well Lord Adonis, the Transport Secretary has decided to take the risk of alarming potential Labour voters by publishing a detailed London-to-Birmingham proposal in the white paper that locates the tracks to within five metres in urban areas and 25 metres in the countryside. Note: How refreshing a Government Whitepaper that actually details what is really planned.

But endorsing such a tightly planned route could spell even more trouble for the Tories as well because it is widely expected to slice through the Conservative heartland of Buckinghamshire, including a swath of the Chiltern Hills - one of 40 areas of outstanding natural beauty in England and Wales.

So the Guardian found a 'talkative Tory party source' who:
Acknowledged concerns that the route could go through key constituencies between the home counties and the West Midlands, triggering complaints about property blight from house owners. "We don't want to lose 10 seats backing a route blindly," said the source - Hmm also honest, but depressingly so. It's all about Party Politics and s*d the National Interest!

So there we have it National Interest No, Party Politics Yes and what I saw as a 'chink of light' that possibly would burn brighter by encompassing other National Projects has just been shut off.

For the Conservative Party this 'strategy' appears to have backfired (as it deserved to) as the both the Government and the Lib-Dems have been able to take the moral high ground:
First Norman Baker for the Lib-Dems talking to the BBC:
"This peculiar decision of the Tories coupled with Osborne's spending cuts strongly suggest that the Tories are trying to kick high-speed rail into the long grass." "The Tories can't be trusted with our railways."
Nasty little political kicker at the end there Norman and you were doing so well!

Now Lord Adonis:
"Full public consultation will of course take place on any route proposed by the government. The consensus I seek is on the principle of high-speed rail, so that it can be taken forward on a cross-party basis in the next parliament."

Amusingly since the Conservative announcement yesterday, the Shadow Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers has had to spend most of her time defending the Conservative line by denying they were "playing politics".
Sorry but you were!

As the General Election begins to looms, who to vote for:
Labour, Conservative, or Lib Dems - In each party there are a few (too few) with talent, a few (even fewer) I respect (and not always the same people), but actually the thought of any of these parties forming the next Government is for me depressing and the stuff of nightmares..

Links:
Department of Transport Britain's Transport Infrastructure: High Speed Two
January 2009 - Warning 5Mb PDF - Very Interesting

From the Newspapers
18th February:
Guardian:-Tory fears of vote backlash put high-speed rail route in doubt
19th February:
Telegraph:- High-speed rail route 'under threat' as Tories refuse to support Labour's proposals

Times:-Tories put high-speed rail line in doubt

A Bit of History Courtesy of the BBC:
Why put the brakes on high-speed rail?

The Politicians:
Lord Andrew Adonis:
Department of Transport Profile ,the Telegraph Profile and Wikipedia Entry

Theresa Villiers:
Official Website - Conservative Party Site and Wikipedia Entry

Norman Baker:
Official Website - Profile On Norman Clegg's Site and Wikipedia Entry

Guido Fawkes an Article: Mad Mullah Gets More Than Frontline Soldier

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 is another evidence-based chart you won’t see elsewhere; it shows how much taxpayers are forced to give to Anjem Choudary – the extremist cleric who wants to lead a protest march through Wootton Bassett.  He claims £25,740 in benefits to subsidise his hate preaching.  Guido questions how he can be seeking work when he spends all his time rabble rousing in broadcast studios and on demonstrations.  In contrast a frontline soldier, fighting Choudary’s taliban allies in Afghanistan, takes home £17,004 for risking his life.  If that private is killed in combat, his widow and children would have to live on a pension less than Choudary gets.

Why are British taxpayers paying their enemies more than their soldiers?  Is Choudary really actively seeking work?  The evidence suggests he has other priorities – so stop his benefits…

END of Guido Fawkes Post

Devaluing the Award of British Medals.

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 say 'difficult', for serving officers 'extremely difficult'.

In the Armed Services there are also Campaign Medals for those who served in War Zones, although HMG has on some occasions tried to avoid awarding these for political reasons (e.g. the long campaign to recognise Suez Veterans), or diplomatic reasons (we were never there, honest). Even worse HMG (on the advice of the MoD) is refusing to give a medal to those wounded in action in Afghanistan, or elsewhere.

In my long professional career I have visited Countries and Cities in Countries which HM Foreign Office at the time considered unsafe. In some cases so unsafe that I and my Colleagues received protection. I viewed these visits as the risky part of my job at the time, not something to be given some award for although I did usually get paid something extra for being there and then only if staying for more than a couple of days!

Now as part of their job, Politicians and now Civil Servants are required to visit War Zones, or Countries/Cities Deemed High Risk. It comes with the territory, don't want to do it refuse, or change careers!
I have no problem with a plus payment for doing it, starting say, for stays longer than a week, but regardless of how many flying visits, no!

Yet Politicians who have neither served with the Armed Services, Police, Security Services and whose only likelihood of exceptional bravery in their professional life would to be to face Jeremy Paxman at the top of his form are being awarded Medals. Oh yes and what have they done to be so recognised?

Well they have to be members of a Club, sorry I mean Scheme, called the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS), and this scheme allows politicians to spend around 22 days a year with the Forces. So visits to Aldershot, an RN Ship, or RAF Base in Scotland all count. - Of course some do visit a War Zone where they were constantly surrounded by real British Soldiers and have had their Pictures taken, been interviewed and have then gone home. Fortunately the Queen does not have to present these Badges, because they are technically unofficial. So should they be called Medals, no, they are just a Badge showing long term (10 Years) club, sorry scheme membership.

So why are these called Medals, when they are only a Badge, because they are awarded to Politicians (vomiting at this point is permitted). At least if you are British Citizen you can indicate your anger at this by signing an E-Petition to the Prime Minister: Stop degrading our soldiers by handing out medals to MPs.

Well I have received Certificates for belonging to something for a long while, but quite honestly these go in the scrap book and even the Badges I have been given for membership of an Organisation, would only be worn (if I remembered), on occasions when it is likely to encounter other members.

Having dealt with Politicians, let us look at the Civil Service. In particular the MoD where Civil Servants are traditionally niggardly when recommending Medals for real Heroes and Service in Campaigns. Well guess what now they are actually expected to spend time in a War Zone they are getting a Campaign Medal, no, not a Badge, a real Campaign Medal as worn by Real Soldiers, Royal Marines and the RAF Personnel (providing they spend as certain amount of time there and this varies between 21 and 30 Days not the six month tours of real Soldiers and other Service Personnel). So are these people on the front line? No don't be silly, they work mainly inside Camp Bastion surrounded by Real Servicemen and Women and when they venture out they are very well protected. Also they get Bonus payments and salaries which make the real Heroes amongst the most underpaid in our society.

So they are, Civilians in a War Zone where it is just possible they might get Killed (None has), or Wounded (no medal for being wounded remember - MoD didn't go for it), well the Naafi Manager does that as do the other Civilians, are they going to be awarded a Campaign Medal? Again don't be silly and they don't expect it, yet in other wars Naafi Staff have taken the fight to enemy (Falklands) and from memory they didn't get a medal, neither do Chinese Civilian Laundrymen who serve on Royal Navy Ships and have died alongside the British Crew in wars large and small. So what is special about Civil Servants that means they deserve a medal! NOTHING!

The awards to MPs and Civil Servants devalues the British Medal Award System which is moving the way of the former USSR, where you got a medal for just staying Alive for a very long time in the Soviet Paradise, contributing to the Population Explosion, or being a Sycophant to the right people, among many other possibilities.

Links:
E-Petiion to the Prime Minister: Stop degrading our soldiers by handing out medals to MPs.

MPs criticised for accepting 'Mickey Mouse' medals

Anger as penpushers at MoD get same Afghan medal as troops risking their lives on front line

To finish a picture of Real Soldiers, just to remind us of those who deserve much more than we give them and who are entitled to Wear their Medals with Pride:

Online petition against HM Government use of Flawed browser

After reading the following please sign the E-Petition
The 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 Europe will follow. That will create some pressure on the US to do so too.

Most creative and software development companies are forced by government department clients to build websites for IE6 when most of the industry has moved on.

Companies insist that they need IE6 support because government departments use it and won't be able to see their sites or services without it.

Upgrading would be a massive task for government, but if the public is encouraged to lead the way and the government follows, that would create the momentum needed.

IE6 'end of life' was extended to 2014 by governments and business not ready (or willing) to upgrade. This cycle should be broken and innovation and security given their proper place.

To sign click: E-Petition

RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight endangered

Support the BBMF with your vote

Photograph and Copyright Caz Caswell - Used with Permission

It 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 budget. It is a great delight for all who see their displays, and the memory of 'The Few' will be lost.
If a British Citizen (either UK Resident, Expatriate, or Crown Dependency), please vote in the E-Petition to the Prime Minister to ensure that the BBMF is not closed.

I am sorry to say that the many supporters of the BBMF who are not British Citizens cannot add their votes, but it doesn't stop you emailing HMG!

A (belated) Happy Birthday Alitalia

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 enterprise. To reach this point there must have been a painful Journey, not just the massive job losses but the clash of cultures when Air One was merged with the remainder of the old Alitalia, However all credit to the Managers and Staff for somehow making it work.

My 'doom and gloom' laden posts can be found here:
2008:
alitalia - how long before the life support is switched off? 29 Jul 2008
alitalia - have the unions killed the only hope? 13 Sep 2008

alitalia files for bankruptcy protection 29 Aug 2008

alitalia - is the opera entering its final act? 06 OCt 2008
2009
alitalia reborn - but will it survive? 13 Jan 2009
alitalia - unions spoil first day 14 Jan 2009
strike one for alitalia 19 Jan 2009

The Soldiers Memorial to Their Fallen:

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 Chapel. Inside the tepee are 21 photos of 21 soldiers killed during the first months of a year-long tour of duty. Michael has illustrated his article with a series of extremely evocative photographs, most of which were taken at night. Whilst I urge you to read the Article, I could not resist including three of the Photographs (I just hope he doesn't mind):

Mostly there is silence.

Sometimes the soldiers walk by carrying lights that are red or green, or sometimes white. Tonight, Cobra Battery was firing illumination rounds from the cannons, which boom from the darkness, arcing a round into the night, where miles away a canister unsheathes, and the parachute opens, and brightness floats silently, shimmering over the valley where these soldiers died.

Soldiers put cigarettes in front of each photo, though they say that many of the fallen did not smoke.

The British Legion Manifesto & Petition

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 party support for their agenda and therefore inclusion in the Political Party Manifestoes.

The British Legion has launched It's time to do your bit campaign, with their own six page General Election Manifesto in PDF format. Having read it (several times), I have come to the conclusion that it is the only General Election Manifesto where I totally agree with the agenda!

The British Legion has also launched a Public Petition to show support for the British Legion Manifesto and a form which sends an email to all potential candidates for election to MP in your Constituency requesting they support the British Legion Manifesto.

For current MPs who read this blog (yes there are one, or two), or are a candidate then the British Legion has thoughtfully provided a means of showing your support: Election Candidates- How to do your bit


It's time to do your bit campaign

A strong City is not just in Britain's interests

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 out a case for the City of London to remain a prominent European financial center.   This is in response to City concerns about Gordon Browns agreeing to new European market oversight and the appointment of Michel Barnier as the new EU Single Market Commissioner to oversee regulatory reform.   It makes an interesting read into the thinking of a Government attempting to create an impression that is 180 degrees out of step with reality.
You can read the article here: A strong City is not just in Britain's interests

The Chancellor fails to mention that the Royal Bank of Scotland was allowed by his Government to leverage itself up to become the world’s largest bank with perhaps the largest exposure to toxic mortgage assets.  Also that Banks outside the UK and US were the victims of US and UK financial policies of exporting systemic risk which caused the freezing and failure of the world economy.  While he talks about having a safe market place, financial regulation and ensuring taxpayers and customers do not pay for bank failures.  We all know that he and his Government have created an environment where the opposite is true.  In terms of doing business in the UK companies, small business, investors and customers face a very high risk of loss due to the Government and financial industry.

With the advent of online electronic banking there is now little reason to use UK institutions. Companies and traders can trade stocks 24/7 on various exchanges around the world.  Large corporate funding is generally funded by multiple Banks and can be arranged in jurisdictions like Canada where there is better downside protection against systemic risk.  By any measure given the current UK economic and political situation the cost of doing business in the UK could turn out to be an unacceptable risk.  It remains to be seen if Europe is willing to take on the City once they have a full understanding of the risks involved.

My comment as published the Times is as follows:
 It's simply stunning to see that people are still attempting to rewrite history in order to carry on as before.   The world made the mistake in putting its trust in the large UK and the US financial centers.

It was debt issued through these financial centers classified by their regulators as AAA that turned out to be toxic.  This debt contained risky packaged mortgages that were sold in a similar way that resulted in the previous failure of the London insurance market.  Mortgage brokers were paid large fees to sell mortgages to people who had no hope of even being able to pay the interest on the loan.   The world made the mistake in putting its trust in the large UK and the US financial centers.

The US and UK Governments were instigators who dismantled financial oversight.  They miss-managed their economies and created the housing bubbles that caused the financial crisis and recession.  Both countries have massive Government borrowing requirements facilitated by funding through their financial centres.  In simple terms they have built a money machine that takes the wealth created by ordinary people around the world and concentrates it in the hands a few greedy advantaged individuals in London and New York.

Had there been a shred of honesty within the institutions of this land there should have been an admission of fault and help for the honest people and businesses that have been damaged by their actions.   As usual Government politicians have put their own interests ahead of those of the country and deflected responsibility by blaming others, stonewalling and whitewashing the facts.

The City would have you think that they are an indispensible part of the world economy. In fact they have brought about their own eventual demise.

Today's Oil Facts of Life

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 there is very little factual information made available to the public.  The UK Government does not freely give out information about consumption and North Sea production. What UK figures I have is gleaned from various sources.  Other information I have found on the following web sites:
Energy Information Administration (US Government), CommodityOnline and Platts.

Those of you that have seen my previous blogs about Oilexco will understand that I am an investor with vested interests and definite opinion on the conduct of the UK Government and the Royal Bank of Scotland.  The Times weekends article highlights the North Sea energy resource as little more than an opportunity for the Government and financial industry to make quick money at the expense of the Oil Companies, investors and UK energy consumers. My comment attached to the Times article implies that it's all little more that a shell game, you can guess what I mean by that….

There are an estimated 22 billion barrels of possible oil equivalent energy resources in the UK North Sea. Much of this is high grade Brent crude combined with significant quantities natural gas.  While Oilexco was a relatively small company it operated drilling rigs partnered with a number of other oil companies that made up a large portion of the North Sea development.  Oilexco production was just coming on line at a cost around $15/barrel when the RBS forced it into bankruptcy protection.   A six month extension of the RBS loan at minimal cost would have seen Oilexco through its difficulties, a fact that the Government was made aware of but failed to offer its support.

When you read the following information, be aware that during tight energy demand periods 200 additional barrels of daily production can make the difference between $80US and $160US/barrel oil pricing.  China, US combined daily oil consumption accounts for roughly one third of daily world production. UK consumers pay double the price that North Americans pay for their energy as a consequence of Government policies and practises.     

It is important to understand that oil storage in tankers is insignificant (140 million barrels est.) when compared with current world oil consumption.   Chinese daily oil consumption was estimated to be 7.9 million barrels in June 2009 and oil consumption was up 12 percent over the period from 2007 to 2008. China's population is 5 times size of the US, Chinese new car sales are currently estimated to be running at one million a month and the economy is expanding annually at a rate estimated to be between 8 to 10 percent. Peak US daily oil consumption was between the years 2004 and 2005 at a rate of 20 to 21 million barrels, current daily consumption is between 18.5 and 19 million barrels and is expected to start to increase again in 2010.  World daily oil production for the first three months of 2009 is estimated to be 8o million barrels down from a peak of 87 million barrels.

Oil consumption is expected to increase next year by 1.26 million daily barrels.  Currently increasing Asian oil demand is offsetting other areas of world demand destruction.  World oil production last year was closely in line with consumption. 

The UK Government had expected to see 2010 North Sea Oil production increase to 3 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.   Their mismanagement of the resource will see UK production down to between 1.5 and 1.2 million barrels per day.

Much of the new oil production now coming on line is low quality which many refineries find difficult to refine and has to be mixed with higher grade oil.  This leads to a problem, whilst much of the 'new oil' is low grade, new sources of premium oils of the quality of Brent Crude from the North Sea are becoming increasingly scarce. 
Add to these woes, is that many of the new oil fields now starting production have short estimated production lives of eight to ten years. But of course new oil field discoveries are often announced, but it is important to understand it can take up to ten years for these to put into production, even in normal times.
But the financial crisis has had a significant negative effect on companies engaged in oil field exploration and even on the development of those fields already discovered and that should be in the process of being brought on line.

The increasing future demand for oil is unlikely to be met by the current level of new development. Like it or not, the world is going to have to come to terms with consuming less oil at higher prices. The UK is not "well placed" to deal with this growing problem.

The Extradite Gary McKinnon Saga Continues

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 Treaty
Even 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 extradition.

As a reminder on what this is all about:
Gary McKinnon hacked into 97 Computers belonging to:
United States Defense Department, US Navy, US Army, US Air Force, and NASA in the months after the Sept. 11 attacks. In the process of causing (by latest figures) $700,000USD of Damage, and stole 1,000 passwords from high-security computer networks.

He has admitted he did indeed commit these crimes, but only because he was looking for information on U.F.O.’s. Hmm, if this was indeed his only agenda, why did he leave the following message on one of the Pentagon computers he hacked:
“U.S. foreign policy is akin to government-sponsored terrorism. I will continue to disrupt at the highest possible level.”

The Lawyers acting for the US in the Extradition Case have described Mr McKinnon as:
The most prolific and damaging computer hacker in the history of the United States military.
Well I would change the wording to:
The most prolific and damaging, non-state supported computer hacker in the history of the United States military, that has been caught so far.
But then these are only Lawyers and what do they know about Cyber-Espionage being carried out against all Western Countries Military and Industry.
But despite this caveat, the crimes committed mean Gary McKinnon was carrying out acts of Cyber-Terrorism against the USA.

But hold on, a Professor watching a Television Interview  being given by McKinnon after extradition proceedings had started, began to suspect that he was suffering from Asperger syndrome, and subsequently he was indeed diagnosed as a sufferer of this disorder in August 2008 (three years into the Extradition proceedings). Asperger Syndrome is viewed as being within the Autism Spectrum of Disorders and is the cause of much discussion amongst researchers and indeed sufferers whether it is a difference (i.e within the spectrum of normal behaviour), rather than a disability that must be treated or cured.

As covered in my earlier post, Gary McKinnon does seem to fit some of the Asperger Profile, but surely this should have been diagnosed in Childhood when the symptoms are more pronounced rather than in his early 40's. Also within Asperger, like any of the disorders within the Autism Spectrum, there are huge variations between individuals.
If Asperger's is a valid defence, then there is no reason why this would not be considered as valid in a US Court as in a UK one?
Alternatively now that it is known that in Gary McKinnon case Asperger's is so serious that his obsessive behaviour meant that he went out and attacked the systems of a British Ally, then why hasn't he been sectioned under the Mental Health Acts and currently in a secure facility and (as there is nor real treatment) confined there for the rest of his life?

A lot of People from the British Autism Society to a bunch of Cross-party MP's and 'Celebrities' have jumped on the Save Gary McKinnon bandwagon. At least in the case of the British Autism Society, I have some sympathy with their stance as for the rest, well..

The only Person for whom I have both sympathy and respect in this case is Gary McKinnon's Mother, Janis Sharp who has mounted one of the most impressive campaigns in support of her son that I have ever known. Having said that, I believe her campaign should fail and that Gary McKinnon's case be heard in an American Court on the eight counts of computer fraud, that the extradition request is connected with.

But this does NOT in any way change my views on the 2003 Extradition Treaty. It is one of a small number of issues where I agree with Shami Chakrabarti (I respect and admire the Lady, just don't often agree with her) that this Extradition Law is in need of urgent reform. I would go further, in the next parliament the Treaty should be revoked and whilst renegotiated replaced by Extradition on a case by case basis.
See:UK-US Extradition Treaty and Certain American Politicians Support for Terrorists Posted on 13th August 2006 .
After all one of the reasons it is so imbalanced is the concern that members of the IRA living in the US would not be given a fair trail if extradited to Britain and one of the concerns of the British Supporters of Gary Mckinnon is that he won't get a fair trial in the USA, I trust US Justice the same as I trust British Justice, I view both with considerable reservations, but they both attempt to give defendants a fair trial - My Objection to the NatWest Three being extradited, was their case clearly fell within British Jurisdiction and due the intense anger over Enron, there was a possibility of trial bias. But the reason that I support Gary McKinnon's Extradition is treaty, or not, this case falls within US Jurisdiction and there is NOT the same US Domestic angst.

Medical Emergency - Good Neighbours/Friends & London Ambulance Service

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 attractive lady whose name I did not get), I was stabilised and then placed in West Middlesex A&E for the Night.

My processing through A&E revealed that my Heart, Lungs, etc are OK. But I had some nasty Virus infection, which basically has to run its course (which it is still doing) - Paracetamol and rest is the only cure. So actually doing anything useful work wise has stopped. So I have been living (just) up to the Title of being an Idle Man.

But in reviewing events my thoughts have turned to how extremely lucky I am. The sudden onset from having a simple cold to literally feeling I was in the final stage of drowning meant that I was in Boxers and Tee-shirt and was literally in a state of collapse when attempting to dial 999 (911 for non Brits), so my Neighbours hearing my distress were hammering on the windows and just letting them in nearly pushed me over the edge. The prompt arrival of the Ambulance meant, once I was stabilised I was shipped off to Hospital, with NONE of what in normal circumstances I would consider absolutely essential : Trousers, Money, Credit cards, Mobile Phone, Keys, or Emergency Contact Information, plus one one of my slippers fell off on the way to the Ambulance).

By the time I arrived at A&E, I was essentially breathing normally (except through Mouth, as Nose well and truly blocked), so I was processed rather than treated and as A&E was extremely quiet, I actually got some sleep in between EGG, Blood Test, Fluids Drip and I actually felt than a fraud as lying in by cot, I was relaxed. However walking the three steps from the cot to the X-Ray Machine made me realise I was still extremely unwell. Also the medication applied with the oxygen in the Ambulance was starting to wear off. By 06:00 I was ready for discharge with some Paracetamol and then the logistics of my situation hit me and the Staff, NO MONEY, NO KEYS, NO CONTACT Numbers and NO TROUSERS. Fortunately after a lot of humming and hawing I was given some hospital Greens and using directory enquires was able to contact my Neighbour Phil, who drove me home and used keys I had left with him to let me in!

The last few days have made me realise that throughout my life I have been blessed by having more true Friends and Neighbours who have become true Friends, than I deserve (plus some wonderful Cousins who despite my long period of indifference still think I am worth saving :).

Whatever else I have done in life, the good, the not so good and the indifferent, it these people who really matter to me and over the last couple years have proved I matter to them to an extent I can never fully express.

Avro Vulcan XH558 50th Birthday Appeal

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 the Engineers who are the key to the project is a  is a major concern, but other bills also rise during the winter, so any donation however small is welcome:

As a reminder of the awesome Vulcan see these videos: