Another equally alarming aspect to the dismal amount of new house build is the density and poverty of spirit in the build. Sure, there are some nice houses out there but many are built on poor quality land, with limited additional infrastructure and stacked quite high. It's nice sunny day imagery but it doesn't last. One of the first things noticed when returning to old roads was the patches of newbuilt houses dotted around main roads. After a while you get to see previous expansions - maybe by style, layout or materials used. But still largely around a decrepit road system. If it's not being dug up then it's getting speed bumps and cameras.
The wry tone of the Heineken advert appeals - the hole dig where all the services - gas, cable, electricity, even the undertaker eye it up. If only, eh? The fact that it seems to make sense shows that we actually have a pretty low outlook but does give the nod to reality.
Why accept a pack 'em in tight, fill in all the gaps, crappy transport system philosophy? One that puts humanity beneath nature, and a cuddlybunny version of it at that. Defra's land use statisics quote 10.6% urbanised land, though as they admit not totally accurate but obviously there is plenty of land even in densely populated Britain. (www.defra.gov.uk)
The urban sprawl is more like urban squeeze, replete with ubercontrolling asbo, convention and diktat. Hardly a single normal activity is without an annoyance factor and therefore a chance to bellyache - the neighbours' exuberant children, the necessary DIY and constant upgrading of old housing stock, cars, old people doing 8 miles an hour, the cat always teasin' ma dawg, and so on - take your pick.
Until we overturn the view that man is subservient to nature then we are forever stuck to this kind of build. Newer housing designs are about and are even built. Their exotic appeal is due to their rarity. However, the simple, airy and spacious designs around easily lend themselves to mass production and with good liveable quality too. Some contemporary homes show simple ingenuity even in what could be called difficult locations, in short there's nothing much out there that is a barrier. Of course simplicity isn't always a gift and significant inroads into new technologies promise plenty.
Would it be too much to ask tomorrow's developers to put services in a seperate conduit rather than alongside or underneath roads and paths?
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Sex education for children?
The proposal to teach children as young as five about sex education is quite an interesting one. Children can understand concepts at a very early age and this proposal will at least remove parents from having to kid the kids that babies come from mom's bellybutton. This way we avoid further deceit and trickery (it reminds me of the ever larger hole Basil Fawlty digs for himself when avoiding issues). While we are at it, maybe we should consider weaning them off some of the other fairytale rubbish we fill their heads with. Wouldn't life start making sense?
What of a true depiction of History? The world in which we live has much to offer through a true study of its development. It wouldn't take a child long to fathom that life on earth has evolved over millenia and not six days and one at rest (if god had put the effort in on sunday then maybe humanity wouldn't be stumbling along - he'd maybe even qualify for double time. Puh-lease).
What of Science or the study of Nature? Not some cutesy fluffy-bunny version but one that shows children that nature is not designed; rather that it adapts to it's environment and not always in what we would call a pleasant manner.
Of course the motivations behind under 5 sex education lie elsewhere but, as per usual, it could prove to be a bungled affair. Is it to combat the high rate of teenage pregnancies that are considered to be problematic or to encourage indigenous population growth? I hardly think the latter, not at five anyway.
Of course there are some that will cry outrage at such a proposal but it is a discussion worth having.
What of a true depiction of History? The world in which we live has much to offer through a true study of its development. It wouldn't take a child long to fathom that life on earth has evolved over millenia and not six days and one at rest (if god had put the effort in on sunday then maybe humanity wouldn't be stumbling along - he'd maybe even qualify for double time. Puh-lease).
What of Science or the study of Nature? Not some cutesy fluffy-bunny version but one that shows children that nature is not designed; rather that it adapts to it's environment and not always in what we would call a pleasant manner.
Of course the motivations behind under 5 sex education lie elsewhere but, as per usual, it could prove to be a bungled affair. Is it to combat the high rate of teenage pregnancies that are considered to be problematic or to encourage indigenous population growth? I hardly think the latter, not at five anyway.
Of course there are some that will cry outrage at such a proposal but it is a discussion worth having.
Prince Harry and that uniform.
Prince Harry managed to offend most with his choice of uniform at the 'colonial and native' private party he attended. One wonders wether he would have suffered the same level of outcry if he had gone as Brigadier-General Reginald "Rex" Edward Harry Dyer - infamous for the Amritsar massacre and a true colonial , or as some officer twat from Sandhurst (1)
Of course the atrocities of the Nazis in the concentration camps are singularly abhorrent yet despite knowledge of the issue the Allies suppressed much information and refused to take any action in support of Jews and others. In fact much of the Allied elites shared Nazi views concerning Jews and the issue was tacked on towards the end of the war adding noble gloss to
Allied war aims. (2)
Incidentally, Harry wore an Afrika korps uniform, far removed from the horrors of Auschwitz. Indeed, Rommel (Commander of the Deutches Afrika korps) was considered to have been something of a gentleman soldier and stood up to Hitler to some extent over the 'final solution', his name even being used to attract others to the failed plot against Hitler. (3)
(1)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reginald_Dyer
(2)http://www.aish.com/holocaust/overview/The_Allied_Effort.asp
(3)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erwin_Rommel
See also http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/4170635.stm
and Living Marxism (June '94).
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
A Royal visit?
The Queen may be coming to visit The 'merrie citie' of Wakefield for Maundy Tuesday/Thursday. Maybe the old gal will get a clean up (Wakefield that is) and no doubt fawning dignitaries and other Wakefield notables will be drafted in to fawn appreciably.
Part of the ceremony is the handing out of commemorative coins and, in times past, the washing of underlings' feet. The money is more than welcome (bring plenty) but I doubt EIIR's skills as a pedicurist although since the service has been cut from the NHS there would be plenty grateful of an opportunity.
Rumour has it that our noble Queen likes to enjoy herself and rightly so. May I suggest we throw a ball (fancy dress optional) and hold a hunt with hounds to mark the occasion? And please bring Harry, he seems alright enough despite the circumstances he lives his life under.
There are also many people deserving of a Royal pardon that I for one would be most willing to discuss.
Part of the ceremony is the handing out of commemorative coins and, in times past, the washing of underlings' feet. The money is more than welcome (bring plenty) but I doubt EIIR's skills as a pedicurist although since the service has been cut from the NHS there would be plenty grateful of an opportunity.
Rumour has it that our noble Queen likes to enjoy herself and rightly so. May I suggest we throw a ball (fancy dress optional) and hold a hunt with hounds to mark the occasion? And please bring Harry, he seems alright enough despite the circumstances he lives his life under.
There are also many people deserving of a Royal pardon that I for one would be most willing to discuss.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Grant Hazlewood is innocent.
Grant Hazlewood was a former workmate who now pleases Her Majesty. A self confessed wide-boy, somewhat loveable rogue but a damn fine worker.
In desperation, and assumedly for his amusement, he did a 'job' at one of the manager's houses. For his efforts he is now in residence at HMP Armley.(since moved)
Grant's original sin was to be the unofficial spokesman for the nightshift, in particular concerning the biennial bonus reappraisal. The bonus is always reviewed downwards and conditions for its application are as relevant as those in insurance disclaimers. It is a huge bone of contention and subject to many a differing view.
Factory productivity has risen by some 50% over a period of 4 years. Despite most of the improvements coming from on-the-job personnel this is not reflected in improvements in wages or conditions. In fact, the reverse is true. Bonus payments are curtailed for the pettiest of reasons and 'promised' individual wage reviews are delayed; the goalposts always moved. For instance, many a worker who may put in plenty of overtime would be deemed to have an appalling attendance record for being late perhaps three times in as many months. Real reasons ignored, minor ones upheld. It really only leaves the sick route but who wants to be ill or a victim all the time?
Back to the plot -
Shopfloor anger over the bonus proposals dissipated as quickly as the unofficial overtime ban. Some had mixed faith in the procedural route, others more grudgingly, one or two muttered 'fuck 'em', one wanted to fight them on the beaches but everyone knew that it was all over and anyway Christmas was coming.
We've been drybummed said Grant. And yes we had been.
Grant was singled out for punishment - the aforementioned manager busted him to the dayshift with less pay and less suited to his accustomed lifestyle. He appealed and wanted an explanation for the move as none was given.
Pressures built and a petty spat with a supervisor was blown up out of all proportion and became the focal point. Grant is definitely not an angel and certainly made life awkward for himself and others. Tension was relieved by suspending Grant (on full pay) but leaving 'the half dozen of the other' to build a case against him and exonerate his self.
The fact that the supervisor is asian does play a minor part. It depends whether you like your asians served up tabloid/broadsheet or in the flesh. A likeable enough fella in many circumstances - even as a supervisor but often in this role, a pain in the backside. Personal advancement, just doing the job and following orders all play a part.
The race element was widely accepted to have been a convenient blanket.
Grant finally got to have his appeal but only after much delay, a case built up against him and his isolation leading to desperation. At his 'trial' he gave an eloquent defence of himself and laid out the course of events leading up to the spat (upon which all this hinged). The company representative, who had previously been copying everything down; now exasperated but wouldn't have any of it, accused him of 'rambling' (decency holds me back from a Jerry Spinger Opera line here). He actually sputtered that he had 'never heard such insubordination in the lower ranks!'
In short, the case had already been decided. The Company instigated the real crime, made the rules up as it went along, picked at the evidence, provided judge, jury, executioner and set a procedure for the grounds for the defence. Not quite hung, drawn and quartered but the cuffs were out.
In desperation, and assumedly for his amusement, he did a 'job' at one of the manager's houses. For his efforts he is now in residence at HMP Armley.(since moved)
Grant's original sin was to be the unofficial spokesman for the nightshift, in particular concerning the biennial bonus reappraisal. The bonus is always reviewed downwards and conditions for its application are as relevant as those in insurance disclaimers. It is a huge bone of contention and subject to many a differing view.
Factory productivity has risen by some 50% over a period of 4 years. Despite most of the improvements coming from on-the-job personnel this is not reflected in improvements in wages or conditions. In fact, the reverse is true. Bonus payments are curtailed for the pettiest of reasons and 'promised' individual wage reviews are delayed; the goalposts always moved. For instance, many a worker who may put in plenty of overtime would be deemed to have an appalling attendance record for being late perhaps three times in as many months. Real reasons ignored, minor ones upheld. It really only leaves the sick route but who wants to be ill or a victim all the time?
Back to the plot -
Shopfloor anger over the bonus proposals dissipated as quickly as the unofficial overtime ban. Some had mixed faith in the procedural route, others more grudgingly, one or two muttered 'fuck 'em', one wanted to fight them on the beaches but everyone knew that it was all over and anyway Christmas was coming.
We've been drybummed said Grant. And yes we had been.
Grant was singled out for punishment - the aforementioned manager busted him to the dayshift with less pay and less suited to his accustomed lifestyle. He appealed and wanted an explanation for the move as none was given.
Pressures built and a petty spat with a supervisor was blown up out of all proportion and became the focal point. Grant is definitely not an angel and certainly made life awkward for himself and others. Tension was relieved by suspending Grant (on full pay) but leaving 'the half dozen of the other' to build a case against him and exonerate his self.
The fact that the supervisor is asian does play a minor part. It depends whether you like your asians served up tabloid/broadsheet or in the flesh. A likeable enough fella in many circumstances - even as a supervisor but often in this role, a pain in the backside. Personal advancement, just doing the job and following orders all play a part.
The race element was widely accepted to have been a convenient blanket.
Grant finally got to have his appeal but only after much delay, a case built up against him and his isolation leading to desperation. At his 'trial' he gave an eloquent defence of himself and laid out the course of events leading up to the spat (upon which all this hinged). The company representative, who had previously been copying everything down; now exasperated but wouldn't have any of it, accused him of 'rambling' (decency holds me back from a Jerry Spinger Opera line here). He actually sputtered that he had 'never heard such insubordination in the lower ranks!'
In short, the case had already been decided. The Company instigated the real crime, made the rules up as it went along, picked at the evidence, provided judge, jury, executioner and set a procedure for the grounds for the defence. Not quite hung, drawn and quartered but the cuffs were out.
After a further adjournment (sic) a new 'hearing':
- formal introductions given,
- enter stage right: The Police.
- Oh! feigned Captain Mainwairing.
- Wild, eh? said Grant.
Friday, January 21, 2005
2004 local elections.
(Previously titled: The ersatz appeal of the BNP.)
These days elections - a chance to openly fight for ideas and elect people's representatives are seen as a chore - something that gets in the way of more important things like getting on with life. People have decided that best practice is not to get too involved.
Erstwhile politicians of all calibre should be wary of the level of commitment attached to their vote as voter connections are superficially based in the main. Each party may have its core of support and the attentions of a handful of people actively lobbying for a select interest but the general public aren't moved. People are motivated by values and may associate their vote for what a party may represent. This is probably less well defined than in the past. People, perhaps surprisingly, may attach one single issue to a vote or even give a local chancer a go. One amusing encounter with an exasperated voter revealed she voted for all three main parties in this local election. Such is the punter's attachment to the vote.
Yet there are underlying beliefs that people have - rightly or wrongly, that need challenging.
Reason being that everything has become an issue. The depoliticised nature of politics ie. no grand or competing visions to take society forwards, comes with its mini me alterego - the micro politics of everyday life. So much to the point that to pay attention to it all makes you wonder which of your actions is the right thing to do. Indeed, quite maddening.
Little wonder then that people vent their anger, subdued though it is, by flicking the 'v' at best or more generally ignoring it all.
I stood as an Independent candidate in the 2004 local elections, although not because of any faith in the Office of Councillor, but mainly to see what people thought, amongst other reasons (guts of election leaflet posted at bottom).
I was a little surprised as to the strength and calibre of the vote for the BNP. Not much like that as portrayed in the recent New Statesman article - too much guesswork, emphasis on statistics and a lazy pastiche for want of a 'typical' interview. This would seem to be the real problem - so called radicals making out that only white trash vote far right.(http://www.newstatesman.com/200501240011).
Many said that despite knowing 'what they are' the BNP were the only organisation offering something concrete, for instance instead of making do and mend with a local school the BNP suggested a newly built one. Even saying that immigrants should be allowed to work (albeit largely doing menial and degrading tasks).
The punters weren't fooled by the pantomime 'nazism' and the reference to some mythical golden era when things were supposedly whiter than white. Some referred to the rank opportunism and thinly veiled anti-foreigner sentiment (genteel Horbury didn't quite merit the vulgar approach that the BNP take elsewhere); many even expressed concern for the plight of the refugee. Though it would be foolish to discount the underlying currents no matter how well they are understood. Many people - not just your 'typical' council house dweller - were fed up with being marginalised whilst official policy apparently favours the immigrant (regardless of category). Not to say by any means that our foreign counterparts had plenty but in the ease with which they got what they had - housing, furniture, healthcare, etc. Yet it would be foolish to equate this with any hard held nationalist sympathies (the tacky St. Georges flags in evidence may have pleased the ardent nationalist but were soon considerably less than half mast upon Engerr-land's demise at the concurrent Euro 2004 - echoes of 30's Germany it wasn't.) People were aggrieved at the condescension, aloofness and false promises of mainstream politicians and so picked on the easiest target, although many also figured that a significant vote for the BNP would also make politicos listen to them.
Interestingly enough no candidates went out door-to-door canvassing.
(The BNP also do a fine line in character assasination.)
************************************************************************************
2004 local election leaflet.
My aim in standing in these elections is to counter some of the myths and misinformation that poses as politics. As such, I do not concern myself with the 'bean count' that is the scrabble for apparently scarce resources. I am more concerned with raising the level of discussion above this and its meagre outlook. One thing is clear - the distinct lack of vision and principle at the heart of politics today. This displayed quite readily from the top down with debate at the petty level of the playground. Little wonder then that many of us choose to ignore the bigger picture, shrug our shoulders and acquiesce. Such apathy, though understandable, does not bode well for the immediate and long term future. Instead of a progressive, dynamic culture we have one of limits - an increasingly regulated and constrained society seeking accomodation to an imagined 'golden age' and largely afraid of its own shadow.
What kind of world do we want to live in?
Environmentalists and other commentators make much of the 'fact' that we are overcrowded. This is only true to the extent that new build largely equates to urban regeneration and increased population density. This make do and mend approach needs binning. Misplaced concern for the environment above our need has lead to a chronic shortage of available and decent land for housing and the subsequent, and likely, unsustainable increase in house prices. New and readily available technologies could do much to alleviate this crisis. Instead we are faced with a more compact and constrained society - evermore regulated, watched, held back and looking to the illusory comforts of the past rather than confidently going forwards. Yet close to 90% of this green and pleasant land (most of it man made) is undeveloped, ie. non-urban. There is no shortage of space - just a lack of political will.
Similar anti-human sentiment holds back much that is progressive, be it GMO food technology, medical experimentation or dams in developing countries. we live longer and healthier than ever before precisely because of our control over nature. That some people would not only hold up progress but question the achievements made thus far betrays a lack of confidence in ourselves. Nature is both creative and destructive, but it is no coherent or stable force. We should have no worries nurturing that that is beneficial to us and progessing.
Work.
The workplace is of major concern to me. Often it is just something we put up with before going home or out to spend our hard earned cash. Job satisfaction goes out of the window as you wait for the next element of control - be it petty disciplinary, misplaced criticism or myopic helth and safety initiative.
The forthcoming bonus review where I work is not likely to be more money, more time to enjoy nor universally applied. This despite a 50% increase in productivity over the past 4 years. So how come more production equals less money? It is often the case that you have to fight to get the job done as organisation is poor. Either that or go through the motions as part of the machinery.
This is not to single out my present empolyer - such a scenario can be pretty much applied to most jobs.
The world of work ought to be an enjoyable, productive and well rewarded experience rather than the source of frustration that it frequently is.
The announced job losses at Bombardier, Sirdar and The Post Office need some serious consideration. If it is the case that the labour market is set to expand and suitable well paid employment is to be had then fair enough. Otherwise not.
Blame for the current state of affairs can largely be attributed to the old Labour party and co. for never holding out for the interests and aspirations of its constituents. The current out of control version does much to hamper with an endless array of target driven initiatives, flip charts and an accompanying army of bureaucrats.
The unions spend far too much time discussing management concerns and keeping their members in the dark, offering little more than excuses or financial or legal services. In their current form they are worse than useless.
We need to build better ones that serve our interests.
Immigrants.
Be they economic migrants, asylum seekers or refugees - these people should be made welcome here. Too often immigrants are made scapegoats for a society ill at ease with itself and not the cause of its problems. From Doctors to construction workers, and many more besides, more immigrants are a requirement and much is to be gained either way from this.
Not much of an outcry is made when UK citizens go to live the ex-pat life in Spain or as health tourists to France or Hungary. To castigate others for wanting to lead a healthier life is hypocritical to say the least. It does none of us any favours to accept that people should live in poor conditions - wherever that may be.
Iraq.
For a good year leading up to the war, and since the occupation, many a poor reason has been given as to why war in the first place. There has been a long history of western involvement overseas - Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Yugoslavia, Kosovo, Somalia and Sierra Leone to name but a few of the most recent. And none of these countries any better for it. Criticism of our Governments involvement is either superficial, one-sided or avoids the issue.
Much of what is happening in Iraq shows just how directionless our leadership is - a poorly considered venture, on suspect grounds and no positive end in sight. That we allow this to continue is shameful.
Faith in Humanity.
According to some we are own worst enemies - selfish, destructive and heading for disaster unless guided by some higher order, be that a god or government. Society, such as it is, does have its fair share of problems although arguably not those often presented. There are some that see teenagers as hooligans, foreigners as grabbing scroungers and a paedophile or mugger lurking around every corner. What are we scared of here? We could be forgiven for thinking that we are on the verge of complete moral collapse, yet vthis is far from the case. Theses are largely overblown fears. An informed discussion would serve us better and not the kneejerk response that is.
Ultimately, the problems we face can all be overcome - by our involvement in the workings of society. Consequently we should have no faith in religion, nor those that would have us be subservient. That denies our personal responsibility.
Community.
It's pretty safe to argue along the lines of the honourable Lady herself, Margaret Thatcher, that there is no such thing as the community or indeed society. Leastwise not one that acts out of common interest and certainly not in an effective manner. We face pretty similar concerns at a basic level yet choose to ignore them and hope the bad stuff 'goes away', or better still never happened in the first place. This is 'not in my backyard', 'not in my name', 'I'm alright, Jack' thinking - a fairy story and we must take the blinkers off.
If we are ever to build a community or greater society then we must stop avoiding the issues and get a grip of events.
**************************************************************************************
These days elections - a chance to openly fight for ideas and elect people's representatives are seen as a chore - something that gets in the way of more important things like getting on with life. People have decided that best practice is not to get too involved.
Erstwhile politicians of all calibre should be wary of the level of commitment attached to their vote as voter connections are superficially based in the main. Each party may have its core of support and the attentions of a handful of people actively lobbying for a select interest but the general public aren't moved. People are motivated by values and may associate their vote for what a party may represent. This is probably less well defined than in the past. People, perhaps surprisingly, may attach one single issue to a vote or even give a local chancer a go. One amusing encounter with an exasperated voter revealed she voted for all three main parties in this local election. Such is the punter's attachment to the vote.
Yet there are underlying beliefs that people have - rightly or wrongly, that need challenging.
Reason being that everything has become an issue. The depoliticised nature of politics ie. no grand or competing visions to take society forwards, comes with its mini me alterego - the micro politics of everyday life. So much to the point that to pay attention to it all makes you wonder which of your actions is the right thing to do. Indeed, quite maddening.
Little wonder then that people vent their anger, subdued though it is, by flicking the 'v' at best or more generally ignoring it all.
I stood as an Independent candidate in the 2004 local elections, although not because of any faith in the Office of Councillor, but mainly to see what people thought, amongst other reasons (guts of election leaflet posted at bottom).
I was a little surprised as to the strength and calibre of the vote for the BNP. Not much like that as portrayed in the recent New Statesman article - too much guesswork, emphasis on statistics and a lazy pastiche for want of a 'typical' interview. This would seem to be the real problem - so called radicals making out that only white trash vote far right.(http://www.newstatesman.com/200501240011).
Many said that despite knowing 'what they are' the BNP were the only organisation offering something concrete, for instance instead of making do and mend with a local school the BNP suggested a newly built one. Even saying that immigrants should be allowed to work (albeit largely doing menial and degrading tasks).
The punters weren't fooled by the pantomime 'nazism' and the reference to some mythical golden era when things were supposedly whiter than white. Some referred to the rank opportunism and thinly veiled anti-foreigner sentiment (genteel Horbury didn't quite merit the vulgar approach that the BNP take elsewhere); many even expressed concern for the plight of the refugee. Though it would be foolish to discount the underlying currents no matter how well they are understood. Many people - not just your 'typical' council house dweller - were fed up with being marginalised whilst official policy apparently favours the immigrant (regardless of category). Not to say by any means that our foreign counterparts had plenty but in the ease with which they got what they had - housing, furniture, healthcare, etc. Yet it would be foolish to equate this with any hard held nationalist sympathies (the tacky St. Georges flags in evidence may have pleased the ardent nationalist but were soon considerably less than half mast upon Engerr-land's demise at the concurrent Euro 2004 - echoes of 30's Germany it wasn't.) People were aggrieved at the condescension, aloofness and false promises of mainstream politicians and so picked on the easiest target, although many also figured that a significant vote for the BNP would also make politicos listen to them.
Interestingly enough no candidates went out door-to-door canvassing.
(The BNP also do a fine line in character assasination.)
************************************************************************************
2004 local election leaflet.
My aim in standing in these elections is to counter some of the myths and misinformation that poses as politics. As such, I do not concern myself with the 'bean count' that is the scrabble for apparently scarce resources. I am more concerned with raising the level of discussion above this and its meagre outlook. One thing is clear - the distinct lack of vision and principle at the heart of politics today. This displayed quite readily from the top down with debate at the petty level of the playground. Little wonder then that many of us choose to ignore the bigger picture, shrug our shoulders and acquiesce. Such apathy, though understandable, does not bode well for the immediate and long term future. Instead of a progressive, dynamic culture we have one of limits - an increasingly regulated and constrained society seeking accomodation to an imagined 'golden age' and largely afraid of its own shadow.
What kind of world do we want to live in?
Environmentalists and other commentators make much of the 'fact' that we are overcrowded. This is only true to the extent that new build largely equates to urban regeneration and increased population density. This make do and mend approach needs binning. Misplaced concern for the environment above our need has lead to a chronic shortage of available and decent land for housing and the subsequent, and likely, unsustainable increase in house prices. New and readily available technologies could do much to alleviate this crisis. Instead we are faced with a more compact and constrained society - evermore regulated, watched, held back and looking to the illusory comforts of the past rather than confidently going forwards. Yet close to 90% of this green and pleasant land (most of it man made) is undeveloped, ie. non-urban. There is no shortage of space - just a lack of political will.
Similar anti-human sentiment holds back much that is progressive, be it GMO food technology, medical experimentation or dams in developing countries. we live longer and healthier than ever before precisely because of our control over nature. That some people would not only hold up progress but question the achievements made thus far betrays a lack of confidence in ourselves. Nature is both creative and destructive, but it is no coherent or stable force. We should have no worries nurturing that that is beneficial to us and progessing.
Work.
The workplace is of major concern to me. Often it is just something we put up with before going home or out to spend our hard earned cash. Job satisfaction goes out of the window as you wait for the next element of control - be it petty disciplinary, misplaced criticism or myopic helth and safety initiative.
The forthcoming bonus review where I work is not likely to be more money, more time to enjoy nor universally applied. This despite a 50% increase in productivity over the past 4 years. So how come more production equals less money? It is often the case that you have to fight to get the job done as organisation is poor. Either that or go through the motions as part of the machinery.
This is not to single out my present empolyer - such a scenario can be pretty much applied to most jobs.
The world of work ought to be an enjoyable, productive and well rewarded experience rather than the source of frustration that it frequently is.
The announced job losses at Bombardier, Sirdar and The Post Office need some serious consideration. If it is the case that the labour market is set to expand and suitable well paid employment is to be had then fair enough. Otherwise not.
Blame for the current state of affairs can largely be attributed to the old Labour party and co. for never holding out for the interests and aspirations of its constituents. The current out of control version does much to hamper with an endless array of target driven initiatives, flip charts and an accompanying army of bureaucrats.
The unions spend far too much time discussing management concerns and keeping their members in the dark, offering little more than excuses or financial or legal services. In their current form they are worse than useless.
We need to build better ones that serve our interests.
Immigrants.
Be they economic migrants, asylum seekers or refugees - these people should be made welcome here. Too often immigrants are made scapegoats for a society ill at ease with itself and not the cause of its problems. From Doctors to construction workers, and many more besides, more immigrants are a requirement and much is to be gained either way from this.
Not much of an outcry is made when UK citizens go to live the ex-pat life in Spain or as health tourists to France or Hungary. To castigate others for wanting to lead a healthier life is hypocritical to say the least. It does none of us any favours to accept that people should live in poor conditions - wherever that may be.
Iraq.
For a good year leading up to the war, and since the occupation, many a poor reason has been given as to why war in the first place. There has been a long history of western involvement overseas - Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Yugoslavia, Kosovo, Somalia and Sierra Leone to name but a few of the most recent. And none of these countries any better for it. Criticism of our Governments involvement is either superficial, one-sided or avoids the issue.
Much of what is happening in Iraq shows just how directionless our leadership is - a poorly considered venture, on suspect grounds and no positive end in sight. That we allow this to continue is shameful.
Faith in Humanity.
According to some we are own worst enemies - selfish, destructive and heading for disaster unless guided by some higher order, be that a god or government. Society, such as it is, does have its fair share of problems although arguably not those often presented. There are some that see teenagers as hooligans, foreigners as grabbing scroungers and a paedophile or mugger lurking around every corner. What are we scared of here? We could be forgiven for thinking that we are on the verge of complete moral collapse, yet vthis is far from the case. Theses are largely overblown fears. An informed discussion would serve us better and not the kneejerk response that is.
Ultimately, the problems we face can all be overcome - by our involvement in the workings of society. Consequently we should have no faith in religion, nor those that would have us be subservient. That denies our personal responsibility.
Community.
It's pretty safe to argue along the lines of the honourable Lady herself, Margaret Thatcher, that there is no such thing as the community or indeed society. Leastwise not one that acts out of common interest and certainly not in an effective manner. We face pretty similar concerns at a basic level yet choose to ignore them and hope the bad stuff 'goes away', or better still never happened in the first place. This is 'not in my backyard', 'not in my name', 'I'm alright, Jack' thinking - a fairy story and we must take the blinkers off.
If we are ever to build a community or greater society then we must stop avoiding the issues and get a grip of events.
**************************************************************************************
Friday, January 14, 2005
www.Spiked-online.com: chemical reactions debate posting
Paula Baillie-Hamilton barks up the wrong tree. I must ask where the time is found to root around for problems within problems when they need solving and people can be made better.
A most simple measure of our success is that we are able to measure illness to a finer degree (as with our ability to measure chemical levels in ever smaller quantities) and employ Doctors to cure them. Broadly speaking the world's populations are living longer and more prosperous lives (even in what was once known as The Third World) and this because of our ability to develop it to suit us.
Dr. Baillie-Hamilton - j'accuse - of time-wasting and to some extent panicking. In this case I would recommend you calm your nerves in which ever way suits you best and have a reappraisal. You are merely succumbing to the prevailing climate of doom but that is not your fault and I'm not a Doctor.
As John Travolta once said 'I've got chiiiills, they're multiplying . . etc.' but he was at least looking on the bright side. Consider that we do get chills; what was once known as ' a cold' can now be broken down into different categories, analysed and cured. We should actually take good care of ourselves as well but everything we do 'hurts' if we let it - football, dancing, work, reading a book, but all things in moderation, eh?
Dr Baille- Hamilton lists quite a caseload of illnesses that need attending to -'(t)hese disorders include diabetes, allergies, asthma, eczema, cancer, attention deficit disorder, autism, learning difficulties, infertility, depression, chronic fatigue, chemical sensitivities, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease amoungst many others.'
"..(R)esearch involving human pluripotent stem cells...promises new treatments and possible cures for many debilitating diseases and injuries, including Parkinson's disease, diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, burns and spinal cord injuries. The NIH believes the potential medical benefits of human pluripotent stem cell technology are compelling and worthy of pursuit in accordance with appropriate ethical standards." National Institutes of Health news release.(posted at http://www.religioustolerance.org/).
Some illnesses are alledged to be stress related or have a panic element - eczema, asthma, depression etc. Olive oil is reputedly good in breast-cancer treatment. http://www.autism-resources.com/ gives online information regards autism and also reminds me of what a Nursing Instructor once told me - mental illness is extended normal behavior - just some have it extended more than others.
As a one-time trainee Psychiatric Nurse I came to the conclusion that quite a lot of the inmates/patients/clients didn't really suffer from much other than 'civilised' society not making sense. Of course there are clinical cases but here there are human points of reference. For instance I recall a young woman who suffered from schizophrenia who was way off the beaten track many a time but even so one could have a conversation with her and get somewhere.
Our aversion to chemicals is a real problem; Acid deams (Lee and Shlain) point out the early use of psychedelic drugs and the promise they showed in clinical trials and as treatment for many an ailment/illness. This until they were deemed unsuitable by a crowd with a vested interest and some dodgy habits of their own.
The criminal aspect of 'hard' drugs (in recreational use) is very hypocritical given the uses to which the same Authorities that ban them have put them to - Oliver North and the arms to Iran 'scandal', the CIA, for instance.
Because 'drugs' are illegal they come at a high price, have a 'warped' appeal and and are subject to shady dealings. And for what? There are many people that take all manner of drugs to get them through their day, and these whether your common or garden lemsip or something more 'exotic'.
Many is the time I've worked with people that used so-called 'dodgy' drugs as an aid to their work. Hey, and I have been known to have inhaled in the past; that neither stopped myself or others from doing a good job. Although just as I wouldn't wish to work with someone who was 'off their head', neither would I wish to work with someone who was depressed to the point of not being up to doing the job.
A most simple measure of our success is that we are able to measure illness to a finer degree (as with our ability to measure chemical levels in ever smaller quantities) and employ Doctors to cure them. Broadly speaking the world's populations are living longer and more prosperous lives (even in what was once known as The Third World) and this because of our ability to develop it to suit us.
Dr. Baillie-Hamilton - j'accuse - of time-wasting and to some extent panicking. In this case I would recommend you calm your nerves in which ever way suits you best and have a reappraisal. You are merely succumbing to the prevailing climate of doom but that is not your fault and I'm not a Doctor.
As John Travolta once said 'I've got chiiiills, they're multiplying . . etc.' but he was at least looking on the bright side. Consider that we do get chills; what was once known as ' a cold' can now be broken down into different categories, analysed and cured. We should actually take good care of ourselves as well but everything we do 'hurts' if we let it - football, dancing, work, reading a book, but all things in moderation, eh?
Dr Baille- Hamilton lists quite a caseload of illnesses that need attending to -'(t)hese disorders include diabetes, allergies, asthma, eczema, cancer, attention deficit disorder, autism, learning difficulties, infertility, depression, chronic fatigue, chemical sensitivities, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel disease amoungst many others.'
"..(R)esearch involving human pluripotent stem cells...promises new treatments and possible cures for many debilitating diseases and injuries, including Parkinson's disease, diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, burns and spinal cord injuries. The NIH believes the potential medical benefits of human pluripotent stem cell technology are compelling and worthy of pursuit in accordance with appropriate ethical standards." National Institutes of Health news release.(posted at http://www.religioustolerance.org/).
Some illnesses are alledged to be stress related or have a panic element - eczema, asthma, depression etc. Olive oil is reputedly good in breast-cancer treatment. http://www.autism-resources.com/ gives online information regards autism and also reminds me of what a Nursing Instructor once told me - mental illness is extended normal behavior - just some have it extended more than others.
As a one-time trainee Psychiatric Nurse I came to the conclusion that quite a lot of the inmates/patients/clients didn't really suffer from much other than 'civilised' society not making sense. Of course there are clinical cases but here there are human points of reference. For instance I recall a young woman who suffered from schizophrenia who was way off the beaten track many a time but even so one could have a conversation with her and get somewhere.
Our aversion to chemicals is a real problem; Acid deams (Lee and Shlain) point out the early use of psychedelic drugs and the promise they showed in clinical trials and as treatment for many an ailment/illness. This until they were deemed unsuitable by a crowd with a vested interest and some dodgy habits of their own.
The criminal aspect of 'hard' drugs (in recreational use) is very hypocritical given the uses to which the same Authorities that ban them have put them to - Oliver North and the arms to Iran 'scandal', the CIA, for instance.
Because 'drugs' are illegal they come at a high price, have a 'warped' appeal and and are subject to shady dealings. And for what? There are many people that take all manner of drugs to get them through their day, and these whether your common or garden lemsip or something more 'exotic'.
Many is the time I've worked with people that used so-called 'dodgy' drugs as an aid to their work. Hey, and I have been known to have inhaled in the past; that neither stopped myself or others from doing a good job. Although just as I wouldn't wish to work with someone who was 'off their head', neither would I wish to work with someone who was depressed to the point of not being up to doing the job.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Old, new, borrowed and, occasionally, blue. (intro and disclaimers)*
Hmm, where to start?
Much of the work on this blog is work in progress, experimental or thinking out aloud if you like. As such it has the odd flaw and can be fragmentary. It is something of an adventure and perhaps self indulgent but that is down to an individual's perception. It is based on an attempt to understand the world and play a part in putting it right. After all, isn't that what politics ought to be about?
This blog was going to be named allsorts of things - Frontline, Mainline, Streamline (unlikely), Work in progress (1), oh,woe is me!, passtheviolin, thekidsallneedbrandnewmobiles, Man o' letters, Go fuck yourselves, it could all bellyflop . . . but then what's in a name? (2).
'Frontline' was an original theme for reasons that may become apparent. Maybe it reflects something of the boy who never quite grew up - still playing at 'japs and commandoes', perhaps. It was specifically chosen as despite the obvious capacity for destruction, much can be learnt from war. More than diplomacy by other means it reveals plenty. In this case the 'war' being fought is a Battle of Ideas.
If nothing else the aim is to prick, spike or bloodily impale a degree of consciousness (perhaps if only for myself). Nothing is claimed for expertise, excellence or originality; ideas are picked up, modified, ran with, attacked and shelved. If you see anything you feel struck by then feel free to use/abuse as you see fit.
This blog takes over from the long-time defunkt ww.frontline-online.org website. Originally set up to make something of a stand for the ordinary, long-suffering Joe public and named 'Frontline' as it is us that bears the brunt of Government policy and the interests of capital, be it in industry or at time of war, always expected to follow orders without question and to make up the shortfall of a decrepit system.
I've left it a bit late in the evening to start proper so this guff will have to do.
On a more serious note I highly recommend a visit to www.spiked-online.com, www.WORLDwrite.org.uk and www.audacity.org, in an uncertain world these people have some serious comments to make.
Regards, Mark.
Disclaimers
(1) On a return to Kenan Malik's website I found his 'Work in progress' blog which likely played some subliminal role in these ramblings. Other elements of 'my' work seem to indicate a direct borrowing of ideas which was not intentional in this case even though there are no qualms in doing so.
I even shelved his book 'Man, Beast and Zombie' part read as too many phrases occured that I'd been using. Although I'm sure he doesn't lay claim to originating phrases or words the regular coincidences became startling.
As much as it would be nice to claim great minds thinking alike Kenan Malik is in an entirely different league to myself. And this is a poor excuse for not finishing his book, although l think some of it did rub off. Amongst many other things it was Malik's Channel 4 documentary (3) re boundaries that inspired me to stand in the elections. l never got around to addressing Phil Mullan's work regarding pensions and the gearing to productivity (amongst too many other things) but that was also a prime mover (4). Though neither are responsible for my mistakes or whether any of it was the right thing to do.
See http://www.kenanmalik.com/work_in_progress/index.html
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0753812959/qid=1126777180/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/202-2821967-4595869
(2) Turns out that the good old family name of 'Harrop' has its origins in the Danish 'Arup'* as in Ove Arup, the Engineer. As much as I'd like to lay claim to something of the spirit of this fascinating man any traits are entirely superficial. Although some comfort comes from the fact that he was apt to wander off mid sentence . . . . .
http://www.arup.com/DOWNLOADBANK/download5.pdf
(*Somehow, in Yorkshire, an 'aitch' 'as been added).
Genetics, huh? Not really - I'm as much influenced by the tale of distant relatives on my mother's side who walked from Scotland to Yorkshire to find work and a home.
Grapes of wrath?
cut and paste
(3)Let 'em all inhttp://www.kenanmalik.com/essays/immigration_times.html
(4)http://www.spiked-online.com/Search/Search-HTML.asp?q1=pensions&c1=%40all&c2=%40epx_section_contentspage&SortBy=nitf_daterelease%5Bd%5D&q2=
*and occasionally puerile. However, if it was good enough for Charles Levi then it'll do for me . . . sometimes. Humanising idols - See/read Karl Marx by Francis Wheen
Much of the work on this blog is work in progress, experimental or thinking out aloud if you like. As such it has the odd flaw and can be fragmentary. It is something of an adventure and perhaps self indulgent but that is down to an individual's perception. It is based on an attempt to understand the world and play a part in putting it right. After all, isn't that what politics ought to be about?
This blog was going to be named allsorts of things - Frontline, Mainline, Streamline (unlikely), Work in progress (1), oh,woe is me!, passtheviolin, thekidsallneedbrandnewmobiles, Man o' letters, Go fuck yourselves, it could all bellyflop . . . but then what's in a name? (2).
'Frontline' was an original theme for reasons that may become apparent. Maybe it reflects something of the boy who never quite grew up - still playing at 'japs and commandoes', perhaps. It was specifically chosen as despite the obvious capacity for destruction, much can be learnt from war. More than diplomacy by other means it reveals plenty. In this case the 'war' being fought is a Battle of Ideas.
If nothing else the aim is to prick, spike or bloodily impale a degree of consciousness (perhaps if only for myself). Nothing is claimed for expertise, excellence or originality; ideas are picked up, modified, ran with, attacked and shelved. If you see anything you feel struck by then feel free to use/abuse as you see fit.
This blog takes over from the long-time defunkt ww.frontline-online.org website. Originally set up to make something of a stand for the ordinary, long-suffering Joe public and named 'Frontline' as it is us that bears the brunt of Government policy and the interests of capital, be it in industry or at time of war, always expected to follow orders without question and to make up the shortfall of a decrepit system.
I've left it a bit late in the evening to start proper so this guff will have to do.
On a more serious note I highly recommend a visit to www.spiked-online.com, www.WORLDwrite.org.uk and www.audacity.org, in an uncertain world these people have some serious comments to make.
Regards, Mark.
Disclaimers
(1) On a return to Kenan Malik's website I found his 'Work in progress' blog which likely played some subliminal role in these ramblings. Other elements of 'my' work seem to indicate a direct borrowing of ideas which was not intentional in this case even though there are no qualms in doing so.
I even shelved his book 'Man, Beast and Zombie' part read as too many phrases occured that I'd been using. Although I'm sure he doesn't lay claim to originating phrases or words the regular coincidences became startling.
As much as it would be nice to claim great minds thinking alike Kenan Malik is in an entirely different league to myself. And this is a poor excuse for not finishing his book, although l think some of it did rub off. Amongst many other things it was Malik's Channel 4 documentary (3) re boundaries that inspired me to stand in the elections. l never got around to addressing Phil Mullan's work regarding pensions and the gearing to productivity (amongst too many other things) but that was also a prime mover (4). Though neither are responsible for my mistakes or whether any of it was the right thing to do.
See http://www.kenanmalik.com/work_in_progress/index.html
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0753812959/qid=1126777180/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/202-2821967-4595869
(2) Turns out that the good old family name of 'Harrop' has its origins in the Danish 'Arup'* as in Ove Arup, the Engineer. As much as I'd like to lay claim to something of the spirit of this fascinating man any traits are entirely superficial. Although some comfort comes from the fact that he was apt to wander off mid sentence . . . . .
http://www.arup.com/DOWNLOADBANK/download5.pdf
(*Somehow, in Yorkshire, an 'aitch' 'as been added).
Genetics, huh? Not really - I'm as much influenced by the tale of distant relatives on my mother's side who walked from Scotland to Yorkshire to find work and a home.
Grapes of wrath?
cut and paste
(3)Let 'em all inhttp://www.kenanmalik.com/essays/immigration_times.html
(4)http://www.spiked-online.com/Search/Search-HTML.asp?q1=pensions&c1=%40all&c2=%40epx_section_contentspage&SortBy=nitf_daterelease%5Bd%5D&q2=
*and occasionally puerile. However, if it was good enough for Charles Levi then it'll do for me . . . sometimes. Humanising idols - See/read Karl Marx by Francis Wheen
Jerry Springer, The opera and religion.
Quick one this (wage-labour calls).
BBC2 (UK) screened this recently and I must say I laughed all the way thru (the child in me found some of the swearing and concepts most amusing.). However, the portrayal of religious figures - God, Jesus and El Diablo tends to rub some people up the wrong way. Hmm, just as I choose not to go to church, then surely they don't have to watch it? But then there is the matter of taking the lord's name in vain?
And so be it. Religion is nothing more than a crutch. It gives people hope that despite the hardships of Life on Earth and all the things we don't yet understand then things will all be ok up in the heavens/valhalla or whatever your particular brand happens to call the 'afterlife'.
Heaven conjures up fantasy images of a peaceful environment where everyone is happy and gets on . . . . . oops! gotta go earn my boss some money (He loves me)
. . . . . suffice to say that religion is a lottery ticket that I ain't buying. Surely we would be better spending our time attempting to make sense of the world we actually inhabit and dispense with outmoded fairytales?
BBC2 (UK) screened this recently and I must say I laughed all the way thru (the child in me found some of the swearing and concepts most amusing.). However, the portrayal of religious figures - God, Jesus and El Diablo tends to rub some people up the wrong way. Hmm, just as I choose not to go to church, then surely they don't have to watch it? But then there is the matter of taking the lord's name in vain?
And so be it. Religion is nothing more than a crutch. It gives people hope that despite the hardships of Life on Earth and all the things we don't yet understand then things will all be ok up in the heavens/valhalla or whatever your particular brand happens to call the 'afterlife'.
Heaven conjures up fantasy images of a peaceful environment where everyone is happy and gets on . . . . . oops! gotta go earn my boss some money (He loves me)
. . . . . suffice to say that religion is a lottery ticket that I ain't buying. Surely we would be better spending our time attempting to make sense of the world we actually inhabit and dispense with outmoded fairytales?
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