AN EVOLVING GLOBE?

Welcome dear friends,

 I write this grovelling with apologies whilst crawling along the floor offering to polish your shoes. Life has as always taken me by something of a surprise these last two months.

   I shan't bore you with personal adventures, none can compare to the events in our globe.

   Out in the far-flung-shores of the globe we read, listen and view at a daily rate of knots the horrific plights of our global comrades. Ten people have been killed across the ocean in Egypt by a car-bomb explosion targeted at Egyptian soldiers. Yet another twenty nine people killed in a similar car-bomb attack in the Shia districts of the Iraq Capital, Baghdad. Meanwhile the as ever chirpy news from Iran that they will not back down 'one iota' from their nuclear rights.

   'Ooh Betty' dear old Frank would say in the long since departed BBC sitcom 'Some Mothers Do Ave Em'.

   'Across the pond' in Toronto Canada, Mayor Rob Ford freely admitted to trying Crack Cocaine, then charged about his chamber directly at a women, knocking her over during a public meeting Tuesday 19th November 2013 evening, claiming he thought his brother 'had become involved in an altercation'.
Yes we believe you Rob, thousands, millions wouldn't.

 Back here in Blighty. Out of thirty nine months Cameron had been in power at the time this statistic was taken, for thirty eight of them people's standard of living has got poorer.
This falls-in-line as the (TPA) Taxpayers Allowance calls this week for a stamp duty cut in the Autumn statement due out next month. Matthew Sinclair, Head of the Taxpayers Allowance claims the levy on house sales raising 1% of taxes collected could be cut 'with little impact on the public finances'.  Well Mr Cameron, take heed dear man and listen to the professionals, after all it was you that said:

"I don't want to be the Prime Minister that say's you can only buy a house or a flat if you have rich parents...I am determined as Britain recovers all parts of the country benefit from that..."

   Ok 'Just call me Dave', we shall take you at your word. For now. Now let's see some action 'for the many not the few' dear man. The globe is changing as always and ever, only now it appears to be somewhat on the back-foot. So, action dear man, action is needed, and no, this doesn't automatically mean opening-up the flood gates to the entire globe to come and settle on our once green and lushes land known affectionately as England! We are one very small Island. Already over populated, under housed, seemingly under secured what with the closures of key Naval shipping yards, outsourced to some far-flung shore, thus adding to our 'un-employment crisis' as we now have more of our own boys out of work! But it is fine, you know, have a cup of tea and all that jazz. As long as we are seen globally as a key power. Or a soft-touch I would passionately argue. Look after our own first, then worry about inviting the globe to sip tea with us perched in one of the few remaining trees in a last remaining field by a dried-up stream because we have over-housed, over-populated, under-educated as a direct result of over population, over increased an already gastronomically obese debt, placing ourselves well and truly 'up the swanny'. But it's ok, as long as we still look good on the fake global stage of pomposity.

 It was leaked to the press  last week that the now ex- Chairman of Co-op bank, Paul Flowers, a man I hasten to write with no banking experience, sums-it-all-up one may be forgiven for seeing the irony and asserting, coupled with his consummate ability with Word Excel spreadsheets with pre-installed formulas no doubt, has been seen by a reporter immediately after leaving a Treasury Select Committee interview ordering Cocaine whilst boasting on another occasion about his use of other drugs.
Now, privacy and behind closed doors is arguably one thing. This written someone holding a key globally recognised position at a time of continuing sensitivity within the financial sector, opens the window on an evolving society, battening down the hatches amidst these times of austerity and perpetual 'we're all in it together' misery sprung at us from all angles. Can it really be that shocking to us that Flowers takes solace in this?

   For me personally it is in words, solace always wraps it's arms around me through words.

   For others solace is found in a pub, yet for others still perhaps solace is found in the gym.

   What may I ask is happening to our globe, to blighty?  Is this indicative of 'one big society' - 'One Nation' stepping back to the by-gone day's of grow your own vegetables, know your Bank Manager and their family, eat smaller, less 'robust' food? Simply, re-connect with what is important rather than what 'we must have' -bigger, better, faster than our neighbours. Winding the clock back one hundred years, as Blighties Government  prepared to send 'our boy's to battle in'The Great War', nothing great about it in my view. Delete the word 'Great', insert 'Horrific' and we may be some-way closer to capturing the depths of nightmares strewn across the globe as a direct result of this war for generations to follow.

   In other news:

   Kelvin McKenzie, the ever out-spoken and forthright ex-red top editor say's London and the South East 'props up the British Economy'. Coming from a man himself from South London this is quite a self-deprecatory statement. This written, one can be forgiven for understanding his point has some weight to it.

   Conversely, Yorkshire's Humber Estuary city of Hull has been named the next nations capital for culture due to take centre stage in 2017. Indicative of my suggested reversal back to 'traditional' values? I argue yes. You see, the north of England was at one time not so many generations ago, the capital of growth in Industries such as coal-mining, textiles, shipping and agriculture. I do of course allude to the Industrial Revolution during the 1800's. Since this time I put it to you society has shifted its' system of values to encompass technologies, trains, planes and auto-mobiles, more recently in communication technologies. App, app did someone say app? Tablet, I what? Leading us as a globe to realise we could have more! Then came the money. Class divides arguably enhanced, you know, the old-line about those that have, still have, those that have-not, never will. Well, I write in ardent humble passion this leads to greed, the banks got greedy, we jo public's became ensnared within our own mis-representations of ourselves, of the globe as being our's for the taking at no cost to ourselves. Go on you deserve it, never mind about the day the bill comes through your letter box. Leading to pomposity within the financial sector ultimately to our all encompassing down-fall. Back to reality. Back to true values of family and community importance. Is that really so bad? I argue it is somewhat of a god-send.

   In other more sprightly news:

   Harriet 'I've been ball girl on this tennis court too long' Harman stated back in October: ' we have come-up with the framework' when asked by Andrew Marr what she believed would be the outcome of the Privy Councils decision on the Royal Charter in to Press Regulations and standards might be. Harman of course referencing levels of controls being potentially imposed upon the press . . . by government. . . I mean, really.

   Is this a step-too far?

   Is this a political nanny state? Increasing expeditiously from the existing one we already reside within.

   Is it right politicians should come-up with a framework for a 'free' press?

   Is our press indeed 'free' as it is anyway?

   Enough written. I can hear the rebukes coming through already.

   It is only me, a technology frustrated Yorkshireman residing in London writing, posing hopefully a position stimulating thought, questions and giving in some small way, a moments solace.

   As ever and always, it is my primary concern this inspires, engages and stimulates your mind one way or another. Offering some small pleasure to any who care to read.

Truly your's

R J Wardle

SERVING-UP A SLICE OF STRATEGY.

 Welcome dear friends around the globe,

   It has been somewhat little more than a month since last I posted. Forgive me's requested in humble hope.

   As always our globe has been chasing the tail of its history.

   That written, Angela Merkel has achieved a landmark third term in office over the paddling pool in Germany. Her Conservative arm securing 41.5 % of the vote. She is the first female in our globe since Thatcher to achieve this. Indeed very few democratic leaders have ever achieved this. Back here in Blighty, Blair of course led his party through three consecutive elections, although as we now know, only to retire to the wings of far-flung shores soon after.

   Continuing in Blighties adventures this last week. Labour Party Conference landed with a bump, sorry brilliant bit of 'Balls'.

   'Fallen through a loop-hole in the system'

   A line often served-up by certain Government bodies when offering a line of defence against decisions not to offer state aid in housing, other state benefits.

Have Milliband and Balls 'fallen through a loop hole in the system' enabling them to secure the votes needed to resume office?

   Milliband pledged to freeze energy prices for the first twenty months after elections, should he be voted in to power. The announcement comes as part of a series of pledges laid-out/served-up, as part of last weeks party conference speeches.The following day share prices in some leading energy firms fell. Ironic? possibly.

   Reflective of Milliband cosy'ing-up to the 'every day British citizen', much like Blair, I suggest, yes. Keenly stepping-out on his stage as the man next door.

   Do Energy companies like it? No.

   Would we expect them to? No.

   Is Milliband really 'the man-next-door'? No.

   What is he doing then? 'I'm standing up for the British people' (Milliband, E)

   According to a poll by Populus,69% of those polled want to see energy companies taken back in to public ownership. 59 %  agreed with Millliband's pledge to repeal the bedroom tax, whilst 63% felt it important Labour retain strong links with Trade Unions.

 'It says on our card: Democratic-Socialism . . . and what is that about?' (Milliband,E)

   So, as a 'Democratic Socialist' party leader, does Ed ' I can do this can't I Dave' Milliband really value his pledges? Or is he shall we say, swimming at the deep end of a swimming pool clinging on to a life guard in Ed ' I can make it through this speech without burping can't I' Balls?

    Biding his time (in every sense), tactfully speaking/orating last-in-line behind Ed 'I haven't balls'd things up for years dear' Balls, Ed 'I beat my brother to the touch line' Milliband spoke un-aided for nearly two hours. Serving-up an impassioned call to arms. As ever constantly looking a little amazed by the circumstances he finds himself in Milliband delivered a rousing monologue delivering himself as a man of the people. Most notably through the pledges made to tackle 'real Britain's' concerns on housing, health and financial security through jobs. Nothing new then one may be forgiven for thinking.

   Is it just me or does it not seem long ago we cried for Labour to 'show its' cards' - tell the globe its' position and strategies?

   Watching ever intently upon the stage was Harriet 'I've been ball girl on the side of this tennis court too long' Harman. Incidentally Labour MP for Camberwell & Peckham (London UK) since 1982. One could be forgiven for arguing she is every bit the girl next door in 'real Britain'. Therefore dear Ed, watch out.

   Conservative Party conference in Manchester (UK) commences Monday 30th, Sept, 2013, setting out there stage.

   Forgive me's possibly needed if the dear man, Cameron, forgets his speech?

   What with the 'state we're in' and the seemingly fraught relations between coalition parties, I think specifically now of  last week's SPECTATOR front cover serving-up a suggestion UKIP and the Conservative party may form a new coalition if indeed voted for in 2015's General Elections.

   And so we wait . . .

   As ever and always, it is my primary hope this inspires, engages and stimulates your mind one way or another. Offering some small pleasure to any who care to read.

 Truly yours

 R J Wardle

THE STAGE IS BEING SET FOR 2015's GENERAL ELECTIONS.

 For once I  appear to have found myself writing a pre-monthly (ish) update. . . no forgive me's required on this unique occasion. . . for once.

    Life in our globe has as ever been on a roller coaster of a ride these last few weeks.Not least over in Syria.

   With an alleged Chemical Weapons attack towards Damascus, current death toll standing at one hundred thousand, a further one million children have been forced to flee according to UNICEF figures. It is also believed a further two million children are now 'displaced' within Syria.

   Hold-up hostage, ex-Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, has finally been released from Cairo's Tora prison only to be re-entombed within his own home under house arrest.
Within Egypt itself, rioting, violence and deaths are seizing the once rejoicing nation, turning Tahrir Square once more into a scene of angry protest. With police using live ammunition twenty deaths have been recorded . . . so far.

   Back here in blighty. Coalition lapdog, sorry Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has found himself in a confused state over his stance on  'reduced-state' control of us mere electorate.

   As he took his seat next to 'Just call me Dave,' Cameron, Clegg was adamant this coalition was going to "transform our politics so the state has far less control over you..." Great! One may be forgiven for rejoicing, about time! Yes, until we look at Clegg's recent history of backing the "snoopers'charter", reclining quietly into his champagne flute as evidence sprung to light over security services use of electronic surveillance, actively pushing for secret courts.

   Mmmhhh..

  Yes Mr Clegg you do seem passionate about empowering us lowly electorate to be independent of the state.

    Furthermore, This week Clegg has stumbled along in to another juxtaposition of himself. Stating he believed the destruction of the Guardians hard drive seized from David Miranda as he landed back in blighty, promptly to be arrested under a little known anti-terror law - schedule 7, was a 'reasonable' precaution. Whilst simultaneously stating he is 'keen' to protect the Guardians freedom of speech.
On this note, Miranda's lawyers stated within goods seized from Miranda, some contained"Journalistic sources whose confidential information is contained in the material seized". So Mr Clegg, I put it to you sir that your professed keenness to protect a newspapers (in this case the Guardians) freedom of speech, is somewhat compromised. The time to act is now Mr Clegg . . .  now dear man.

   Mr Clegg I put it to you, despite your seemingly affable personality, you do get in a muddle with yourself don't you dear man.

   Have we not learned the intrinsic rights to privacy, rights to report the truth, freedom of speech after the Hackgate scandal? along with others. Or is this going to be as with many other political mishaps, yet another party line 'whipped-up' and churned out that 'questions need to be asked,' 'lessons need to be learned.'?

   Newspapers are in my passionate view not just a delightfully traditional, but a intrinsic part of communication across our globe. A means of 'reporting' public-interest, globally significant activities, events, in short . . .  news. Ok so most newspapers have also gone electronic in some form or other. I think of the Guardian, the Times, the Spectator specifically, as means to communicate news to a wider audience more rapidly. As of course mobile apps play a key role in this. A brilliantly engaged with and moving with the times (no pun intended) means of ensuring citizens of England, Great Britain, indeed citizens of our globe,can be 'linked -in' to the rest of life on earth within a turn of a page, a click of a button, a touch-screen app away!

   So have we not realised the importance of privacy, anonymity, to utilise the flailing NHS's mantra, patient confidentiality? . . . RESPECT.

   Thus Clegg's every increasingly weightless assertions seem to contradict his initial introduction to office statements. By progression alluding to a slight scepticism, contradiction of self.

   Ed 'I beat my brother to the touch line' Milliband is also having 'a week of it.'

   Newsnight reported, with some mild amusement, on Tuesday 20th August 2013, a recent poll for the Mirror Newspaper showed the 'I always look a little dazed, because I am' opposition leader came out with 45% of Labour voters unhappy with him. 42 % are dissatisfied, 31 % don't like him, whilst 35 % of Labour voters DO like the work he is doing for the poor. . . Lord Prescott went so far as to say Ed Milliband has 'wasted the summer.' That said Mr Prescott, do remember nearly 20,000 Labour Councillors have won back seats, thousands of new members have joined the Labour party since Ed 'I can do this can't I David' Milliband became leader.

   So the stage is set. With General Elections set for 7th May 2015 that leaves just 18 months 3 weeks and 4 days (not that I am counting) for Ed and Clegg to reshuffle themselves.

   We can debate all year long as to the outcome of the forthcoming General Elections. It seems to me in my humble yet ardent perceptions, for what they may or may not be worth, with our schools GCSE grades A*-C dropping for the second year in a row by 1.2 %  to now 68.1%, 2013. Specifically English GCSE grades down from 64.1 % in 2012 to 63.6 % in 2013. Mr Gove appears to have conspicuously wandered back in to his filing cupboard. England is indeed ready for and much in need of a little feminine touch.

 We Brits, us English, do by tradition, especially the traditionally working-class northern counties, I think of Yorkshire and Lancashire specifically, favour 'the under-dog'. Could we see, just by some impassioned twist of the tennis rackets, a turn back to Labour?

   If we did would Ed storm through with his ever present grin to truly show the world and his brother HE CAN DO THIS? Or, I humbly pose thought over: Would  Harriet ' I have been stood as ball-girl on this tennis-court too long' Harman replace the once Tory Thatcher of the late nineteen seventies and eighties as England's 'New Look' Labour Prime Minister. . . ess?

  Mmmmhhhh. . . . And so we wait. Munching our calorie controlled popcorn, sipping our diet cola's with high rates of sugar in, waiting for the curtain to rise on the show of 7 th May 2015.

   As ever and always it is my primary hope this inspires, engages and stimulates your mind and thoughts one way or another.

   Until we meet again.

  Peace

 R J Wardle









 

SUMMER RECESS FOR POLITICIANS. THEATRE LOVERS ENGAGE 'WE MUST GET CITY HALL OPEN FOR BUSINESS-PLAYTIME'.

Forgive me, time has grown expeditiously hectic hence a slightly longer than seemingly normal (for what that word means is anybodies guess) time-scale between posts.

  Such a lot has happened in our globe - specifically our globe here in blighty, sorry, England.

  Most notably in recent times, our beloved Prince William and Kate Middleton are now proud parents to baby George. I hasten to write dear young Georgie will embody a world none of us mere adults will much share any natural affinity with nor dare i write, even be skipping about England to experience. What with 'the mess we're in', advancing technologies and what seems to be a weekly new mobile app, telephone syncing up every possible aspect of human life with another, a voice on Radio 4 announced last week about implanting micro- chips in eye-lids. Back to the Future, that remarkably Orwellian Hollywood 1980's blockbuster sporting a young Michael J Fox appears ever increasingly relevant and accurate.

 Egypt, although recently rejoicing in a democratically elected President are backward pedalling against an alleged Military Coup to overthrow Mohammed Morsi. Who ironically in an alleged democracy is being 'held' at an un-disclosed location. Why do i think hostage?

 Taliban forces, the 'arch enemy of peaceful democracy', those dear people who globally terrorise in-sighting, actioning and plotting what i write is nothing less than in-human - in-humane, evil, under alleged and in my view utterly false allusions of fighting for a cause, yesterday (Monday 29, July, 2013 15:00 GMT) Blew open the Pakistan prison in Dera Ismail Khan, freeing 243 Taliban Militants calling them out by name, including several Commanders. Abdul Hakim and Haji Ilas.

 Shakespeare's Globe is truly obliterated, indeed the globe of our dear Queen Liz and husband Prince Phil shaken to within an inch of being recognizable.

 I fear for baby George. Future King of blighties inheritance. I truly do. It is not a world i would care to be a part of, certainly at this moment in time. To comment on it is a source of great pleasure and honour, to be a part of it, well, that is a different matter.

Back here in Blightly, we have enjoyed a month of beautiful sunny summer sunshine . . .  The Old Lady of London, Parliament, are currently reclining on summer recess. . . although the dear souls are keen to tell us they are 'working in there constituencies'. Oh, i think to myself, that must be what Cameron was doing in Ibiza for a week back in June, of course, how silly of me, he was working. Not that he is our Prime Minister or anything as vital at a pivotal economic point in our globe.   No, he can live-it-up in a seven bedroom house being pampered.

At the risk of being mistaken for not believing he is entitled to a holiday, i feel a moment of clarity is needed. In my humble view if you are elected to the top post in British Government, to be a global leader as Prime Minister of Great Britain,  you should by natural act of decency forgo all thoughts of any time off in any shape or form. Particularly Mr Cameron, as it is you sir who keep telling us lowly electorate, you know, us that elected (or not) you to your post,  'We are all in it together'. . . Lead by example ever crossed your mind?

 So, as dear Boris busily burns bicycle beats across London, we read yesterday a fantastically forward and engaging piece by Art Correspondent for the Guardian, Mark Brown, reviewing and communicating to us that a report has shown London could do more to support small theatres. Up to and including recommendations dear Boris should be appointing an ambassador for small theatres, use City Hall as rehearsal and performance space all advertised (along with other forms) on London Underground. And i suggest the iconic-ally recognizable Red London Buses.

 Here here i write in all serious, faithful and passionate support of this.

 Why, when in this perpetually spun as miserably hard world we live in, you know, what with the 'Mess Were In' and the 'One Big Society' brigade perhaps, in-fact retract that word, insert instead, WE SHOULD, embrace every and all moment to rejoice in what pleasures we can.

 Theatre is an ever evolving medium. Continuously seeking to engage, inspire, tell and re-tell great story's, ' a spiffingly good yarn told time and again . .'

 Punch Drunk Theatre Company, in conjunction with the National Theatre recently told a spiffingly good yarn  as always. Played and told through staging synonymous with making the experience a personal journey. Metaphor for life. As an audience member you uniquely experience a world created through props, staging, production and performance in, i believe an old warehouse. Full permissions granted for purpose of use.  'Ambling along you never quite knew who or what would come round the corner' a reliable and trusted source has informed me.

 My point here really is this: If as Politicians are so dependant on, they are seen to be 'in it together' with us see the recent decisions to reduce politicians wages: Tax scandals and Expenses Scadal

Surely then to open City Hall will go down well with Theatre lovers, electorate, be seen as a transparent and community enhancing strategy by Government thus i suggest actually nodding in the direction of 'We are all in it together' with a modicum more of believability.

 Small Theatres are as we know the life blood of larger theatres, indeed the arts in general. Acting as feeders, indeed notably intimate performances specifically written for a slightly smaller venue. In my view more should be done, in-fact scrap that age old line by our beloved politicians, you know, closely followed by 'lessons need to be learned' as someone in the PR department tells the MP to 'admit nothing'. Insert MORE WILL BE DONE.

 Advertising using TFL's underground warren of tube lines, indeed why not utilize old redundant stations (see the immense community cohesion/comrade in arms atmosphere of WW2 during air-raids sheltering in said stations) as a rehearsal/performance venue . . .  If Government heed advice laid down in the report a whole host of opportunities, mutually beneficial to both small and large Theatres, MP's, Ministers, dear Boris and us Jo public's suddenly open up thus by progression helping promote small theatres, lift our spirits, good PR for a much in need of it band of Politicians, in short: Bally well cheer us all up lest we forget 'We're all in it together'.


Just a thought as some of us do not get the pleasure and luxury of a Summer Recess, but then again, would i want one? No. I love writing. It is not a chore it is a perpetual joy.

 My main concern is as ever and always solely that you may take some small pleasure from my words. Engaging, stimulating, and provoking new thoughts . . .

 Peace X

A CHANGE IS OCCURRING IN BRITAIN'S WORLD?

So, here I am again. . . Welcome.

   With all the pressures of student life it has been some months since last i posted.

   One of England's most inspirational actors, Richard Briers has died. . .
 
   Yet another alleged 'inappropriate behaviour' case has been levied in the Catholic church. This time against Cardinal Keith O' Brien just weeks after Pope Benedict announced the abdication of his role as head of the Catholic Church. Astonishingly the last time this happened was by Gregory XII in 1415.

   Britain is still in a 'financial crisis' yet Germany are apparently pulling out ahead of every other country in the financial meltdown, leading the way in reducing deficit. As we in Britain lose our AAA rating.

   On home land, the Eastleigh byelection's last week served to allow UKIP 'there best ever performance' coming in second only to the Lib-Dem's. UKIP candidate  Diane James pulling in  a 19.3% swing.

   So I ask myself, What is happening? Conservative and Labour parties falling foul of two 'seemingly' lower grade parties . . . why? Loss of trust by the electorate perhaps? Bad luck in this one specific byelection? Or a mark of something more significant?

   Could this be the end of a long process of Great Britain no longer being the 'Rule Britannia-Great Britain' of the 17th 18th 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. . . No longer head of colonies in far flung shores across the globe. We have adopted a 'multi-cultural society' - Cameron's 'One Big Society' in an attempt to hold  our 'status' across the globe?  And oh isn't it all becoming a bit too much for us?

   With the spending on Housing Benefits and others reaching an all time high, Foreign Secretary William Hague said on the Andrew Marr show last Sunday (03/03/2013) 'It is important there aren't artificial, peverse incentives for people to come to the UK' William Hague - Foreign Secretary.

   Clearly an in-direct acknowledgement that Britain (such as that is in 2013 with Scotland, Ireland and Wales on a pathway, i suggest, to independence from England) is backpedaling on it's migration haven for many illegal,/work-shy immigrants.

   Therefor i suggest by default we are going to return to a smaller society. One that is less concerned with 'harking back to the good ol' day's of the British Raj.' Global dominance in terms of stature. But is for want of a better terminology:

    Once again a personable, reduced-materialistic (of course we shall all embrace new-technologies/ the arts and our delicious countryside) close-knit and friendly Britain. Britain as that 'lovely little island full of history, great countryside, lovely food and oh how everyone smiles at one another'.
 
   And not: 'That small old place that used to rule over much of the world but is now sinking in it's over -inflated- ego's which led it to become abused by it's own inhabitants and the immigrants of the world. There are more people their than there are jobs so they all claim too much benefit. Alcohol abuse is rife as they are all bored. Immigrants got a free pass to land on British soil - and there Brits so they will just house you, educate you, feed you and put clothes on you. And oh. How they all moan. . . whilst it pours with rain.

   No longer do we play cricket on the playing fields of Eaton as Jeeves darns our night-shirts and Betty bakes our buns in the kitchen. Sip tea under the watchful eye of an elephant whilst servants polish our shoes out in India. And that is I say: A good thing!

    My point here really is this:

   Are we, as 21st Century inhabitants of not just Britain but the world. Watching, feeling, hurting, rejoicing in the monotonous process of a switch in 'global super-powers' and an end (eventually) to what i call a pretence of rejoicing in what is actually a part of our downfall. Being a soft-touch and not having the strength of our convictions to be first of all . . . proud to be English.

    Well, just a thought as i sit under a lamp light at this desk. An accumulation of 2013's relevant news thus far.


   As always i hope this reaches you in good health and happiness. Engaging your mind one way or the other.


   Peace Friends X

PALACE OF WESTMINSTER VISIT JUNE 2012

 The Palace of Westminster loomed above me like a majestic dragon. Not yet nine o’ clock on a chirpy Wednesday morning in June 2012, I stood at the intersection traffic lights by Westminster tube station looking upwards and across at the statue of Sir Winston Churchill, standing in my new navy blue suit, crisp new white shirt and suitably neutral coloured tie, mauve.

   

   Having only slept for four hours due to excited anticipation my head was beginning to crave caffeine. I checked my watch, eight forty am. No, I decided, stop for coffee and risk being late. Not a good impression to make on the MP I was due to meet a little over fifteen minutes from now. Crossing the road looking straight ahead as a sea of respectable looking people in suits, clutching morning newspapers or ‘plugged in’ to iPods steamed past me. I was to shadow an MP who for the purposes of ‘saving my skin’ I feel should remain nameless. Not, I hasten to add, due to any misconduct or misdemeanour on their part, or mine for that matter.This being my first gentle steps into a world I wish to make one important strand of my professional future, that of political commentary it is with a flutter in my heart I write this.

  

  So, as I cross the road asking a polished and friendly looking policeman where I should go to enter ‘The House’ proper, the enormity and grandeur of the old lady of London struck me. 

   Once I navigated the particularly ‘snakes and ladders’ approach to the inner-sanctum of the palace, the House of Commons, my nerves evaporated, replaced with a sense of awe mixed with pride. Strolling over to a thin gentleman perched on a high-chair, that is to say a high, chair, not a piece of toddlers eating apparatus. Introducing myself in as solemn and courteous voice I could muster, the gentleman directly picked up his black polished telephone, dialled, spoke a moment, replaced the receiver and announced I should wait here. Here I later realised was Central Lobby. Designed by Sir Charles Barry a stunning mosaic pattern decorated the vaulted ceiling of the octagonal meeting point for both upper and lower houses of parliament, centered by a large tiled star beneath a glittering chandelier. A sort of cross roads within the belly of the building, House of Lords was along one corridor with the House of Commons leading from the corridor opposite and a slightly awe-struck me in the middle trying hard to look like I knew what I was doing.

   

   I heard it, before I saw it. A loud clatter rang around the room as a small Chinese tourist tumbled over the ‘No-Entry’ sign positioned next to the lectern serving as reception. My goodness, the agility and speed with which the WPC stationed next to the lectern turned her whole body in a ‘I am ready for anything’ action pose was breath-taking. Yep, I remember thinking to myself, you’re here boy, in the heart of British politics. Oh how I wish I could take a pee.

   

   Promptly at nine o’clock, a beaming if slightly dishevelled looking man, not too dissimilar to a university professor of many years entombed in a room with more books than could be read in a life time, strode out of a door to my left. ‘Good morning, sorry to keep you’ he said in a friendly if, ‘let’s make this quick’ tone as he scurried past me disappearing up a set of red carpeted stairs. I dutifully followed our bearded professor taking two stairs at a time. I remember thinking here is a man who has been scurrying around these halls and stairwells for years, always rushing. At the top of the second flight of stairs we stopped outside a large oak door. The smell of toast drifting down the long carpeted corridor, ‘smells lovely in here’ I mentioned in attempt to strike up a conversation. Before my professor could reply, the door had gently opened.

  

   For a full hour I sat amongst three other young hopeful’s. All of us dressed in new suits, looking serious, scribbling notes on our new notebooks, with our new pens. The MP’s, one of which I recognised from Prime Ministers Questions the previous week, were amiably, yet vigorously debating the EU Home Affairs Funding for 2014. It was a small, yet sumptuous room, four rows of carpeted benches on either side with a further ‘top-bench’ directly opposite me. I noted with some keen interest the relaxed manner with which they conducted themselves, all seemingly having separate conversations whilst one speaker stood and laid there argument on the table. ‘Minister’ boomed the presiding Lord from top-table. The room instantly fell silent. A mark of respect I surmised for the fact an actual Minister had taken the floor, oh my, this is real I thought.

   

   Upon our exit down the stairs our MP accompanying us regaling historical tales and contextual anecdotes seemed relaxed, transparent and entirely friendly. We had first met some months prior when they had allowed me to interview them for a research project. I had chosen, and proudly wrote, twenty three thousand, seven hundred and eighty eight words on ‘How Has the British Press Influenced British Politics Since 1979?’ Within which we spent a fully-engaging and open conversation at the MP’s constituency offices, discussing everything from the introduction of new Labour Laws during the 1980’s by Margaret Thatcher. That’s new-labour not NEW LABOUR Blair’s re-branding of the traditionally center- left-wing party, Murdoch’s move from Fleet Street to Wapping of headquarters for many British Newspaper titles, the Expenses Scandal and the relationship between politicians and the press up to and including ramifications of the Leveson Enquiry. Candid, transparent and above all insightful and friendly, this MP seemed to me, to be ‘in it’ not to ‘win-it’ but to ‘live-it’ and ‘change-it’ for the better. Elected to his current constituency in 1997 with a ‘swing to Labour of 17.4% - sixth largest Labour swing in the country’, this MP calmly walked us around the inner-sanctum warmly imparting valuable knowledge as to the historic relevance of the Houses of Parliament.

At ten minutes to midday we congregated back at Central Lobby, the heart of the building, watching excitedly as the procession of MP’s, Lords  and the speaker of the House John Bercow, solemnly performed the ritual knocking of the door with a staff to ask permission to enter ‘the House’ (as it is affectionately known).

     PMQ’s, as Big Ben chimed the hour I sat, in the ‘House’, notebook at the ready, no-longer craving caffeine, energised by the ambience and adoration of being sat watching what had, until this day, been a television only viewing experience for me. The entourage of Ministers stormed in and I remember thinking they looked like a heard of stampeding buffaloes, crisp suits, starched collars, full of energy. The House erupted in noise and cheers, quietened only by the speaker as David Cameron stood to face his interrogators, Ed Milliband and Ed Balls. I remember reading in ‘Tony Blair In His Own Words’ edited by Paul Richards, how he feared the weekly interrogation, wearing the same shoes at every Prime Ministers Questions for the entire ten years he was in power. As I cast my eyes around the room my heart sang to me that this was a world I truly wished to become a part of through the words of my commentary.

  

     Lunchtime, at last. Together our MP and fellow keen young thing, Michael – Michael is not his real name but forgive me, it evades me know - happily strolled along the maize of underground corridors leading us out in to a large continental looking courtyard framed with an array of coffee shops and boutique restaurants. A place where MP’S of all political persuasions, reporters, broadcasters and police gather merrily together , relaxing to discuss the day’s, week’s events, and who they wish to see on the next ‘Dancing On Ice’. Much like any other place of work it struck me how amiable everybody was. Not in the least like the rampage of jeers and taunts witnessed shortly before. I did question whether since the introduction of television cameras in to the House of Commons in November 1989 what impact on the politicians ‘theatrics’ this had had? Possibly none but still I pondered. As we sat in the lunchtime sun, happily munching a very generous beef burger with everything on it, our MP opting for a healthy pasta dish I enquired as to his agreement to write about the day’s events for a local newspaper. True to form, his answer was ‘of course’.

     Towards the end of the afternoon, sat sipping that much needed coffee on the banks of the Thames at the Houses of Parliament’s internal, private, river-front café we were invited to accompany our MP who ‘had better show my face’ at a charity meeting for people with that most de-humanising of illnesses, Parkinson’s. We took no persuading and so, with a weary yet fulfilled and eager spring in our step we strolled over to No1 Millbank.

   

   There is one figure in the world of Political Commentary that I have watched avidly each Sunday morning for many years now. A man who I do not hesitate to proudly name as a key professional that I have no doubts in stating I aspire to be at least one tenth as competent, engaging, informative and at times that most delicious of qualities when dealing with serious political issues, whimsical. His name is Andrew Marr. Currently recuperating from a stroke, for what my wishes are worth I humbly and warmly extend my deepest encouragement, strength and goodwill to Mr Marr, all his family, friends and loved ones for his full and lasting recovery.

HELLO AND WELCOME FRIENDS

To whomsoever shall read this blog,

  

 You may be passing the time at work and stumbled across this blog site? You may be ‘surfing the net’ from any one of the many countries in the world and fallen into this blog by mistake or perhaps on purpose out of interest? Or perhaps, just maybe, you have hunted me down eager to cast your eyes over the next instalment from this British Blogger called RJ? 

   

   Either way, I offer you a very warm welcome and invite you to sit back, relax and allow me to entertain your mind, stimulate your interest and hopefully engage you in to whichever and all of the posts on this site.

   I am new to blogging. In fact I am new to most things technical, like touch-screen mobile telephones, computers as a rule are a jungle of frustrations that I do not really grasp, except how to type words on the ‘Word’ software and send an email competently enough. I have only just discovered ‘Spotify’ the music listening and sharing software and only last week held my first ‘Skype’ conversation.

   

   I was unsure what you write about when blogging, I have seen and read everything from holiday blogs to professional BBC blogs about politics, food and many other subject matters. My blog will be a platform for me to indulge my interest in Literature, the arts in general and Political Commentary. In the matter of politics my commentary remains impartial. Just plain good old- fashioned honest reporting. I am not a professional reporter. I would like my words in a variety of disciplines on many wide-ranging subjects, to be professional one day soon, but as it stands I am just another blogger blogging.  If at any point you wish to comment on any blog I have written  I do have a twitter account (again this is a relatively new medium for me)  although I read somewhere BBC news reporter Nick Robinson has been ‘blogging’ since 2001 . . . where technology is concerned I am as mentioned  -behind the times. You are very welcome to post on the blog and or tweet about what you have read on this page on @RJWardle

   Why should I do what some bloke I met on the internet asks I hear you think? Simply, you don’t, of course. Although I gather the internet and platforms such as this are designed to be shared and that is my wish for this blog. To reach out to, and hopefully enhance peoples pleasures in some small way. 

Peace Friends.