Just Taken Advantage Of!

Thursday, 29 March 2012

Just Taken Advantage Of!

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 18: A squirrel shares a bird feeder with some birds on December 18, 2009 in Carshalton Beeches, England. Heavy snow fell across much of south east england today, causing general travel disruption and the temporary closure of airports. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Starling (Photo credit: Laura Whitehead)

I think I must be the archetypal kind of guy that will do most things for anyone. Knock on my door and ask for help with anything and I'm your man-as long as none of it is going to cost me money that is! And as long as you don't want to borrow the same thing more than three times, 'cos that is when its time you bought your own I reckon.

A sparrow after eating some bird seed. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Now I don't mind being of help to people, but, I get the feeling that I am being used. It's not something new. I've had the feeling for a number of years now. And whats more, it's costing me money. What is it that's costing me money? Bird seed, that's what. About four years ago I came over all philanthropic-perfectly legal I'm assured. I had decided to say goodbye to full time work. The routine of getting up at 5.30am five days a week, showering and then driving to work had lost it's appeal. Whats more, the on-call duties were even more of a pain in the proverbial. Get home at whatever time, just in time to get a call to say something had gone wrong and I was needed to to go back in and either fix it myself or get someone in to do it. So, back in to work for as long as it took to fix it-might be ten minutes, might be several hours. No Sir, that was no longer the life for me.

Trouble was, after a couple of weeks I got bored. What to do I thought. Feed the birds! That's what I'll do, feed the birds. not too complicated, not too time consuming and not too expensive. Well, it wasn't at that time. Sunflower seeds were about sixty pence a kilo. I had three modest size feeders hung up on the pergola, nothing posh. I started with 2 kilo's of seed. Couple of weeks passed by with hardly a bird in sight. I began to think I'd wasted my money.

Two days or so later, I had a change of heart. First the sparrows arrived. Just a couple or so at first, then a few more and a few more and then even more. Two kilos didn't last long then. Off I went to get more. This time though, it cost me 70 pence a kilo. Thought nothing of it. Got home filled the feeders and watched what happened next. Now, I'm not a well educated guy when it comes to bird spotting and knowing what they are called, but I soon started learning.

Next in were the Starlings. They came in by the shed load. Despite the books telling me that they are ground feeders, the clever little so-and-so's soon learnt how to cling to a feeder and empty it in record time. So far, not too much in the way of colour you will have noted.

Greenfinches. They are such a grumpy looking bird. Even the female of the species has the kind of look that not my toothless old granny could compete with. Added colour though. The big breakthrough came one morning when we were joined in the garden by our first ever Blue Jay. Stunning colours. We were also joined by a squirrel. Just how cunning can they get, didn't matter what I did to prevent them reaching the seed, they outplayed me. Trouble was, seed was spilled all over the ground. Fear not though, a brigade, flock, gang, or whatever the collective noun for feral pigeons is, soon arrived to hoover it all up. More seed please. No problem, off to the bird seed shop I went. Another 4 kilo's. Pound a bag by this time. Thought nothing of it-all in a good cause.

Bird - Blue Jay (Photo credit: blmiers2)

Next up were the Goldfinches. What a beautiful bird this is to be sure. They came in droves. What started as a minor time wasting activity, turned into very much a regular feature of my day, keeping the place clean feeders topped up, and trying to outwit the ever more cunning squirrels. So, what is the point I'm trying to make here?



Carduelis carduelis English: A European Goldfinch on a garden bird feeder in the United Kingdom. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My point is thus. Since I started in a modest way to do my little bit for what the RSPB had me believing was a needy cause, I have been taken advantage of by the companies that supply bird seed to people like me. What started as a 60 pence per kilo product, is, as of this week, a £2.85 pence per kilo product. Taking advantage or what? Not even my favourite pint has gone up by such a large percentage over four years, nor has my newspaper, or even the foodstuffs I buy for human consumption. Will I continue to buy the seeds? Yes, of course I will. I enjoy seeing the birds, those mentioned above along with Blackbirds, Wrens and others, visiting not just to feed themselves, but bringing their new chicks in to feed them during the breeding season.

Yes, I, and thousands like me ARE being taken advantage of. We will keep on doing it though. I know, I'll moan about anything won't I? Deep down inside though, I know its my little contribution to helping preserve some of the endangered species of garden visitors. Kinda heart warming really.

UK Petrol Tanker Drivers Vote To Strike

LONDON - OCTOBER 12: Labour Party Leader Ed Miliband (2R) holds his first shadow cabinet meeting in the House of Commons on October 12, 2010 in London, England. Ed Miliband beat his brother David to become the new leader of the Labour party on 25 September 2010. His shadow cabinet is made up of Harriet Harman (3R), Deputy Leader and Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, Ed Balls, Shadow Secretary of State for the Home Department and Alan Johnson (L), Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer to name a few. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)What in Heavens Name is the Union Unite doing in asking its Petrol Tanker driver members to vote on strike action?

 Today, 26/3/2012, the tanker drivers decided to strike. No strike dates set as yet, talks are to take place to arrange dates. Terms and Conditions and Health and Safety were cited as reasons for the ballot to take place. Were these truly the reasons Unite leadership whipped up this storm? I doubt it!

Since the unions got behind the eventual winner of the Labour Party Leadership campaign, they have become more and more strident in their calls for industrial action by one group or another. I call upon Ed Milliband, Leader of the labour Party to stand up in the House of Commons and condemn the strike. It is a strike that has the potential, unless others take on the task of delivering petrol and diesel to the forecourts of the country, to damage Britain in a short time. What are the motives behind this? Are they to "persuade" the Coalition Government to drop the planned rise in fuel charges planned for August 2012? Are they truly to support the tanker drivers? I think not. If the union was truly intent on helping its members, it would have started with backing the drivers of heavy goods vehicles of Britain who are losing money and jobs because of fuel prices. Unite has chosen not to support these people. It appears to be intent on damaging the country instead.

I have no political affiliation. I do though, have a sense of responsibility toward my country. I can express my responsibility by putting forward the proposition that the drivers that voted to strike, stand back and take a look at the possible effect of their actions. Yes, the military is to be used to deliver fuel in their stead. This will of course help. It will also cause problems in the eyes and perceptions of the the more militant members of society. At a time when our Military Heroes need all the support they can get while serving in military theatres, the last thing they need is slagging off for strike breaking. The majority of the public will possibly see them as heroes for doing it-the militants may not.

Come on guys-think it through. Don't go through with the strikes-sit back, take a deep breath and look at the possible outcomes. Is it all worth it?

Related articles

• Soldiers on standby for fuel strikes (staveleyhead.co.uk)
• Union Votes In Favour Of UK Fuel Strike (news.sky.com)
• Ed Miliband silent as union backers plot strike by tanker drivers (dailymail.co.uk)
• Soldiers train to deliver petrol in case tanker drivers strike (thesun.co.uk)

Team Sports Cause Undue Stress-Fact!

At one time or another, most of us will be required to undergo training in our chosen field of employment. Part of that training will be developing "team spirit" and " team working." Many of us will have been through that experience, several times if we have changed jobs. Having completed the training and assessment, we get the results. I always managed to achieve the same, or pretty similar results. I had absorbed the training, but was considered not to be  team player.

I felt totally vindicated! Throughout my life up to that point at least, I had thoroughly enjoyed sport, well most of it anyway. The sports I enjoyed most were cross-country running and the high jump. Individual sports. (Now, that will come as a complete surprise to anyone reading this, who actually knows me) The sport I enjoyed playing the least, was Rugby Union. It was a team sport. (The fact that I was made to play the game just because of my size and nothing else, did not help.) I was, and I remain, convinced that any "game" that needs more than two people to take part in it, is doomed to a certain amount of failure. With any more than one person on each side, it is likely that sooner or later one person in the duo or even larger team will fail, if only for a second or so, resulting in a goal, a point or whatever, being scored against his or her side. At that point, all finger pointing and stares will be focused on that individual. Don't believe it? Take a look next time YOUR team loses a point or goal next time they play. You may even be guilty of doing it yourself!

All of what I have desribed above in terms of team sports, results in higher than usual stress levels occuring during the game, and for some time after. How many times have you muttered either under your breath, or out loud to anyone who will listen, that you and that team are finished. Never again will you support them-and as for that so-and-so manager, or full back, or supposedly "attacking forward line," they can just take a hike. How do I know? Because it happens to me week in and week out. I would even go so far as to say year in and year out.

Let me give you an example, or perhaps two. I confess to supporting a football team (or soccer team, depending on where you hale from) since 1974. I will not name them as I am supersticious and would not wish more bad luck on them than they currently enjoy. All I will say is that they are named after the town in which they play, which in turn is the oldest known Roman garrison town in England, you know, the one that Boudica raised to the ground!). Another clue is that the team were voted the 37th most stressful team to watch just three years ago. I suspect they will have risen in that table since!!!! I used to arrive at their ground full of optimism, joy and hope. I would often leave their ground with my stress levels at sky high level, despite every piece of advice I offered tham throughout the game, they ignored it, hence the opposotion going home with their faces wreathed in smiles. I would arrive home, my wife there to greet me. (I never understood why, despite the obvious look of thunder on my face, she always chose to ask, "how did the game go?")

To this day, I still support them. I now live many miles away from the town and cannot often visit, but still listen to each and every game on the internet. I will be so doing tonight 6/3/2012. My wife dreads such events despite my skulking off to the kitchen with my laptop, headphones and and a couple of ales in the 'fridge. She can hear the odd comment such as "come come chaps, that was a trifle silly giving away such a soft goal" or such like. She no longer asks how the game went.

A former love of my sporting life was an Ice Hockey team, London Knights, who played at the London Arena. I was introduced to the sport by my son, Andrew. He got a free ticket to a game for excelling at maths one week, (the team was famous for supporting education and rewarding kids at all levels, not just at the top.) It meant I had to buy a ticket so that he could attend, but so what, not even I was mean enough in those days to not take him. We turned up at the arena, not knowing what to expect. What we found was something totally new. Noise, noise and more noise. Loud pulsing music, videos playing on a four sided cosole suspended from on high. It was quite difficult to talk to each other. It didn't stop there. Suddenly the music stopped, the lights went out and a siren screamed out from nowhere. Immediately quietness was replaced by quite the loudest music I had ever heard-The sound of thunder was accompanied by flashing lights, a ceiling light span and lit up the arena and finally settled on the gate on one corner of the ice where the players were to make the entrance-the home players that was.
Image via Wikipedia
In true American showbiz razamatazz style, each player was announced by name-he raced onto the ice having been picked up by a white hot spot light. Wow-we were impressed. The opposition were then "welcomed" to the ice in a very quietly delivered "welcome" accompanied by the music made famous via the Laurel and hardy movies. "Our" team went on to beat Nottingham Panthers by 7 goals to 1. What a team!!!

We decided to go back for the next game. We saw them beaten 5-1 by Newcastle. Then our next game saw them draw 2-2 with Basingstoke Bison, but lose the play-off by one goal. Andrew and me were typically disapointed. Again, it was individual failures that led to team failures. Again I, no we, swore not to support them anymore. (We did, much to my wifes surprise, buy season tickets to watch them for the next three seasons though.)  This ice hockey experience was much more of a threat to my health even than the football. The high adrenaline rush before the game, followed by the low low feeling but high stress levels after each loss added to the foot stress might have seen the end of a lesser man. Thankfully, I survived it all. I am still of the opinion that team sports cause undue stress.

I follow other sports, individual sports that is. I find them stress free. If I am willing a particular golfer on to success, but over the final four holes he bogies three and birdies in one, therefore losing his lead of two shots and losing the match, I simply refer to him/her as a bit of a silly billy. His/her game, his/her loss, his/her failure to win the money. Their loss not mine. Let them bear the stress this time.

The Scottish Independence Thing.......

Image via WikipediaFrom the outset, I wish to declare an interest in Scotland, and things Scottish. To be honest though, I also must declare an interest in Ireland and things Irish. The reasons for doing so are thus:

 I had the privilege of knowing a lovely young lady from Dunbar in Scotland for approximately three years. Very sadly, for me at least, that friendship did not result in the life long relationship that I had wished for. (I would love to know how that young lady is today)

I did however get married later to someone else. As a result I gained a dear but now sadly departed Father-in-Law, who was Scottish. The Grandfather of my wife, on her mothers side, was Irish. I reckon the above qualifies me quite nicely as having a declared interest in the land of The Scots. Incidentally, my youngest son has nailed his colours to the mast and supports the Scots in everything. I wish I could state my origins. I was adopted and have no real indication of my origins. I declare myself as being English. My wife, however, is convinced that my origins lie in the Mediterranean countries. In fact I was once asked if I was Greek, by some friends I had while living in Germany, so there may be some truth in what she says.

Right, back to where I came in. The Scottish Independence Thing. As history tells us, England and Scotland have, from time to time, not been the best of allies. During history, the Scots have joined forces with the French and the Spanish, in an effort to finish off the English. Of course, there were the days when the Roman invaders "walled" the Scots in so to speak, by constructing a stone barrier the width of England to keep the blighters in their place. The truth of that I believe, was that the Romans didn't know how to manage the Scot and his marauding, and were afraid of him.

Why is there the desire to part company with the English I ask? I hear a thousand or more scottish voices shouting Why Not, even as I write this. I ask again though,Why? Is there really, especially at this time of austerity rather than prosperity, a future in breaking away and being totally independant? Many believe so. Many believe otherwise though. Should independance be finally achieved, I forecast tears before bedtime. It is a purely instinctive and personal feeling, with no solid evidence for saying so or believing so.

My only definite evidence for saying what I do say is this: The English are not seeking independence from Scotland. Nor does England seek to see the Cross of Saint Andrew disappear from the Union Flag. What the hell is he on about you might ask?

 Mr Cameron speaks sincerley about his feeling for the Union between our two peoples. I have not read one report, nor heard one word spoken by an English voice saying anything other than this.Perhaps it is is because the English need the Scots, more than the other way round! Not something I would expect to hear being discussed in pubs or clubs on a saturday night I know, south of the border at least!!

I just mentioned the removal of the Scottish element of the Union Flag. I don't know what would happen in the case of Scottish independence, but I would suspect that it would lead to us having to redesign "our" flag. My heart would not be in it. My heart lies in the current union between us.

What do you feel? You can contact me via the comment facility at the end of this article. I can then publish your views. I look forward to hearing from you.

Related articles

• Scottish independence referendum should be straight yes or no, say peers (guardian.co.uk)
• Cameron Details Arguments Against Scottish Independence - New York Times (nytimes.com)

Why Do I Bother?

Being the reasonably honest person that I am, I like to do as required as soon as it is required of me, or, at least as soon as I can. Such was the case yesterday afternoon.

 I am still struggling twenty four hours later, to "calm down Dear," as commanded  by my wife. I am also having trouble deleting expletives before I utter them, at the very thought of traumas I suffered in an afternoon of great anxiety, dashed annoyance and ever climbing blood pressure.

For those of you still with me at this point, I will explain all. I received, last week, a letter telling me that I am due to start receiving my State Pension a little later this year. The letter bade me call the office from which the letter came, in order that I apply for it formally. I so did. I was dealt with politely, efficiently and in a very short time by a very polite and helpful member of staff. The pension, along with the derisory amount, were confirmed and bank details were given, ready for the first payment. I was assured that a letter would arrive after a few days, confirming all that was as said during our conversation. The letter duly arrived yesterday morning. The envelope was still warm as it hit the doormat having been borne lovingly and carefully in the hand of the postman.

This is where the story starts in earnest. I didn't open the letter until early afternoon. As promised, the derisory amount of my pension was confirmed-subject to being taxed unmercifully-as well as the date of first payment being made. The accompanying letter instructed that my next step was to inform the tax office of my new found wealth and the source, dates etc. No telephone number was given though. Not to worry, I thought. That's what the Internet is for I thought. It'll be on the HMRC website. (In the past I might have called 118 500 or similar, to ask for the number-not now though, have you seen how much the blighters charge?) Yes, hallelujah! a telephone number appeared. I rang the number a little before 3pm.

This first brush with the system gave me six options, none of which said it dealt with pension details. I chose an option at random. I was offered 4 more options. Again, no luck, so another option was chosen. This time I was given a different number to call. It's now 3.10pm.

Number dialled, six options, some of which were also available in the first call. No obvious option so random choice made. Five new options this time. Chose alternative number again. Called the number-same as first two calls-frustration setting in. New number etc, etc, etc.. By this time it was 3.18pm.

To cut a very long story short, I arrived at telephone number, number six. (I later calculated that I had in fact been offered 60 alternatives in the first five calls, none of which suited my needs.) By the time I called the sixth number, it was 3.27pm. What the hell I thought, just do it and regret it later. Six options again, number six of which was what I wanted!!!!! Yippee, hallelujah, yaba daba doo-and so on. I pressed the button for option six. I was informed by a voice that I was in a queue and would be "dealt with" as soon as a member of staff could be bothered,became available. (I've always been a little concerned by the phrase "dealt with." My Mum always used to say "I'll deal with you when I get you home" and that always ended in tears.) 

I waited, the "voice" returned and threatened me a dozen or more times. The music was Muzak, the adverts, for other HMRC services, were rubbish, and the time was getting on. Eventually the voice of an operative was heard. He was polite and sounded very chirpy, (Thought better of having a go at him as it wasn't really his fault was it?) We got into conversation and I passed his security test with flying colours. He was now in a position to deal with my reason for calling. I went though the process of telling him about my pension etc. The line went quiet for what I can only describe as a "Radio 4" pause-you know, when the announcer says its time for the six o'clock news and a pause of several seconds occurs before Big Ben strikes the first of it's six bongs. Seems to last for ages!! He then recovered consciousness or whatever, and politely informed me that nothing could be done about adjusting my tax settings until after the first pension payment had been made. He apologised that the letter telling me to call did not tell me when to do it. Despite requests from his office to the "other office" no changes had been made to the letter to reflect this. It was, by this time, 3.50pm. I had hardly sufficient breath to, as politely as possible, thank him for his advice.

Fifty minutes of my life totally wasted, I could have been doing something useful like having a snooze or popping down to the off license for a can of lager or even having a few minutes on my computer studying the Greek course that is leaving me wondering why the hades I started it in the first place!

I now have all that to go through again. Why? Because I threw the piece of paper with the telephone number on it in the paper recycling bin last evening and the dustmen came round this morning and took it away!!!!!!!!!

"I don't Believe It"

Image via Wikipedia"I don't believe it". Now where have I heard that said before?

The announcement was made today, January 25th 2012, that British soldiers (Sergeant and above, including all officer ranks) serving within the M25 ring around London, will lose their current London Allowance from April 1st 2012. The announcement goes on to say that this change will affect about 2000, while 3000 or so will remain unaffected. The allowance was introduced to contribute to the "higher costs encountered of a permanent assignment in London". The cut comes as part of the Strategic Defence and Security review and is expected to save approximately £2.9 million pounds a year.

The starting pay for a Sergeant is listed as being £30,102 a year before tax and National Insurance are deducted. The current London Allowance for a sergeant is £120.00 per month. After deductions, he or she will lose £81.60 per month. (A complete Summary of Changes To Allowances can be seen at http://www.mod.uk/ )

Clearly this will be seen as just one more morale busting day for the British Army. Soldiers are in no position to dictate where they will serve, although there are systems in place to request a particular posting. Today's news brings to mind a whole raft of questions. Do the Police still get allowances for working in London? Do National Health Service staff get allowances for working in London? Do Firemen get allowances for working in London? Do Members of Parliament and Government Ministers get allowances for working in London? The answer to all of the above is, Yes.

Let me ask another question. Should we see today's announcement affecting soldiers as setting a precedent that will result in Police, NHS Staff, Firemen, MP's and Government Ministers and many others, above a certain grade, losing their allowances? I do not think so. Why? Because some of those who might be affected by such a sweeping change have the ability to strike. The British Soldier, and quite rightly so, does not have the right to  strike, and neither are he or she allowed to discuss changes to T's and C's outside of the Mess or OR's Clubs.

Military personnel are vulnerable. They are vulnerable not only to the whims and fancies of any adversary they may be asked to face, but are they not also vulnerable to the whims and fancies of the Government they are paid by? Yes, it is understood that there are savings that must be made at the Ministry of Defence. Yes,it is understood that some of these savings come as a result of previous failures during procurement exercises and planning failures. What is not understood is why forces personnel within the M25 are subject to this removal of allowances, when the lead might better be set by MP's and Government Ministers reducing some of their allowances.

Forces personnel work hard, they also play hard, but they do not mock the treasury by claiming allownces they are not entitled to. We do though, have a number of people in these islands that are expert in claiming when not entitled. More effort must be put into reducing costs and making savings in this type of area, removing the need to take away allowances that are deserved and earned by this nations talented, brave and often under valued men and women.

Related articles

• Army morale 'at its worst for a generation' as job losses loom (dailymail.co.uk)

An Olympic Dream

2012, the year of the Olympic Games, and Paralympic Games coming to the UK. A time to cheer, a time to work together, a time to put on our best clothes and welcome the rest of the world to our shores.

 Image via Wikipedia

Thats what we should be doing isn't it? I must confess to being one of those who has already had his suit dry cleaned, shoes polished and hair trimmed in anticipation.

There may be some people reading this, that are not aware that the people of boroughs in and around London have been paying a higher level of tax to support the funding of the Games. I dare say that by now, the majority of those who objected at first, are now looking forward to seeing how their "investment" has been used, and what it will be continued to be used for. The building programmes have been ongoing, almost from the minute the announcement of the venue of the 2012 Games was made. Where I live, the local scenery is changing-in a positive and attractive way I add. OK, there are still some questions being asked about the long term effects of the changes being made to Greenwich Park. No doubt things will be a little different afterwards, but not to the detriment of the Park, I am sure.

What has changed, and will hopefully remained changed, is the determination of many many people of the our islands, to develop what were dreams, into realities. The dreams of many to be able to compete in the Paralympic and Olympic Games are to be realised this year. Those not able to be part of it all this year, will have achieved a standard that they can continue to build upon for 2016. These are our sporting heroes of today and tomorrow.

Clearly, not all competitors will be medal winners. We, the watching public will however always be winners. We have the real joy of knowing that so many of our young people took sufficient pride in their being British, to dedicate such a large part of their lives to training for this monumental occasion. I hope they also know that we, the public, salute them in their efforts, winners or not as they may be on the day.

Olympic and Paralympic competitors of Great Britain-we are Proud of you.

Related articles

• MP's visit towns and businesses in preparation for the 2012 Olympic (autonetinsurance.co.uk)
• London 2012: Heathrow unveils special terminal for Olympics (mirror.co.uk)

Answers To Questions and My Thanks

I'll start with My thanks. My thanks go to those of you who have joined up as followers so far. There are two ways to sign up. Firstly you can be identified by name, secondly as an annonymous follower. To date we have a total of 4. Three named and one annonymous. Your support is appreciated. Of course we would like more to join us.

Image via WikipediaNext-answers to questions from Mick. Yes, there were plenty of "Boots on the ground" at the Battle of Waterloo as depicted in the picture included in the piece about the Latest Cuts in the Armed Forces.I have no idea how many British/Belgian/French troops were invited to the do, but it must have been a formidable number.

Image via Wikipedia You also asked how to leave a comment Mick. At the bottom of this piece you will see "0 comments" written. Click on that and follow the guidance given there. If that doesn't work for you, send me an email via the address shown at the top right hand corner of this page. Make sure you, and anyone else who contacts me, states whether you are happy to have your comments published. If not, just state Not For Publication at the start of your email/comments.

Finally Mick, you asked if I had any pictures of The Battle of Trafalgar. I've had a bit of a rummage and found one or two. You mentioned in your message to me that the sailors who gallantly fought that day and saw off not just ONE nations navy, but TWO (France and Spain) without being rewarded for so doing. Not at first anyway. You tell me that years later, the survivors of that bloody but gallant victory were recognised. And so they should have been.

Thanks again for all your visits. I look forward to your joining us again whenever you get the time.

Image via Wikipedia

Related articles

• We could have been speaking French (minkyweasel.com)

New Round Of Forces Reductions

Image via WikipediaTodays news does not bode well for the British Army, The Royal Navy and The Royal Airforce. A further reduction of just under 4000 personel-around 2900 of which will come from the Army is planned over the next three years. At the time of writing it hasn't been announced which sectors or skills of the three forces will be most affected.

There are arguaments doing the rounds that say the modern day forms of warfare and methods of delivery of sytems has changed and will continue to change. No arguament there really. If we look at the way wars were fought in the early twentieth century and compare them with the way they are fought today, would be like comparing the days of wode and spears with the days of the Napoleonic wars, cannons and all. Having said that, Boots On The Ground are still needed. With the modern day methods of delivering warheads and assorted missiles from remote locations, we will still need men and women to enter the theatre of war to manage the results of of the outcomes of the battles and to manage the remaining forces, as well as to manage the rebuild and restructuring of wherever it is the battles took place.

We still need Men and Women to lead our soldiers, sailors and airmen, as well as we need men and women to be led!! I cannot help but think that if numbers continue to be reduced, there will be less and less fully trained people to be deployed when required to be deployed. Today we see many young lives being lost in Aghanistan-along with the comment that they were not fully trained when deployed. Is this perhaps because forces are stretched and new recruits are going through basic training, followed by trade training, but then being deployed with little training in how to perform in war.

If men and women are deployed hurriedly, and rotated frequently through postings and returned to theatres of war again, when does the training happen? Training and revalidation of training is so important, as we all know. What about "down" time between spells in theatres of war? Being on the ground in such situations is hard work. Not just physically, but mentally as well. I don't know which has the hardest impact on the mental health of a serviceperson these days. Is it the day after day exposure to the expected and the unexpected-or is it the moments when a couple of guys don't make it back and you are assigned to putting together all the belongings of the fallen, ready to be sent back home to next of kin?

For as long as we are prepared to expose our men and women to these situation, we should, as a nation, be prepared to support them with back-up numbers as well as equipment. I include in this the lack of Military Hospitals in the UK.

Related articles

• MoD unveils second round of cuts (bbc.co.uk)
• Gurkhas To Be Hit Hard By MoD Job Cuts (news.sky.com)
• Gurkhas: the beginning of the end? (guardian.co.uk)

No More Triple-A

Image via WikipediaI am not normally given to gloating, but, just occasionally the smug smile of satisfaction creases my face. Just such a thing happened though, a few days ago when the news filtered through of France losing its triple-A credit rating.

Now, don't go running off with the idea that I am anti-France, anti-The French or anti-anything to do with France. I have spent many many happy weeks holidaying in the regions of Pays-de-la-Loirre, Bretagne, Limousin and Languedoc-Rousillion and others. I have walked the streets of such places as LeMans, Tours, Limoges, Souillac, Sarlat,Quimper, Concarneau, Carcassonne and so many many more. 

 In any society however, there will always be at least one person that stands out in the crowd as one person who will not be too popular. Currently, the man in the frame is Nicholas Sarkosy, the current incumbent of the office of President of France. As is well known, he is facing a Presidential election that many say he will lose. It would appear that he is not only one of this nation's least favourite people at this moment, but some of his fellow French people have a similar view of him. It is reported that Mr Sarkosy once told the former Prime Minister, Mr de Villepin, that he would hang him from a butchers hook. Mr de Villepin is reported as having called the not too tall Sarkosy, as "The Bonsai". He has also joined in the Presidential race and is said to be currently standing just to take votes away from The President rather than to become President himself.

What has made me feel this way about him? The outstanding moment came when he walked past the British Prime Minister, refusing not just to look up at him as they passed each other, but he spurned the hand of friendship extended by David Cameron. This was not the only insult dealt. In October, after Mr Cameron had made it clear that Eurozone members should waste no time in taking the relevant measures to cut public spending, Mr Sarkosy was reported as telling Mr Cameron to "shut up".

So, the downgrading came, after it had been suggested to others that Britain should be downgraded and France be left with a triple-A rating. A story doing the rounds in France is that Mr Sarkosy told his advisors, "If we lose our triple-A, I'm dead". It has happened and Sarkosy has to get over it, as has France. I am not gloating, I promise, regarding the safety of Britain in all of this. It may happen here. The difference will be that "we" have not called for others to be treated so.

Is It Me or Is It Them?

Image via WikipediaI sometimes wonder if I am losing the plot. Do you ever ask yourself that same question? I get up in the morning, bright eyed and bushy tailed, with a certain amount of optimism and a modicum of exuberance. Sometimes, however, the feeling doesn't survive for more than an hour. Take this morning for example.

I was watching the News broadcast when the reader/announcer person got to an item about the possibility of Trades Union activity in July 2012, to coincide with the Olympics being staged in the UK. It was being reported that positive action could be staged at Olympic venues, to show that there was a total unacceptance of the Britsh Government stance on Public Pensions. The particular form of action was not discussed, but it is possible that it could include strike action and/or demonstrations with placard bearing masses showing individual and group displeasure with their lot.The obvious conclusion that might be drawn is that it would not look good for the Government with hundreds of thousands of visitors to these shores witnessing and being inconvenienced by such goings on.

So far, various trade groups have declared their willingness to disrupt or even suspend forms of public transport during the Olympics, unless new pay deals are agreed. Some have been agreed, but guess what? Some have come back for another slice of the cake. Talk about damned cheek!! I cannot, for one moment, consider this as right and proper behaviour.

I can almost hear voices being raised, questioning whether I am anti trades union and instead, preaching on behalf of the Government. I am neither. In fact I am a Trades Union member and was, for a number of years, a Shop Steward. When it comes to politics, I prefer not to align myself to any particular party. I do however, become quite excited when I read of or listen to union leaders and some members shouting loud and long about their particular issues, without regard to others than theirselves.

All union leaders are convinced that all members of the public stand behind them when they stage days of industrial action to emphasise their views. WRONG!!! Just why should I or anyone be pleased to be messed about by bus drivers, tube train drivers, guards, airline cabin crews and so on? These latest words from at least one trades union leader are nothing more than an attempt to blackmail the government over pensions. Trades Union leaders and members are intelligent people. They know what is required in terms of fiscal restraint, not just in the UK, but Europe wide, and beyond. We ALL are having to make adjustments to our spending. Our incomes are reduced, not something we relish. Without swallowing the bitterest of pills financially, we will not turn this great juggernaught around.

Yes, I am aware that the biggest problems were and possibly still are being caused by the financial institutions. Clearly the people running these institutions are not losing as a result of mistakes and greed of the past. I must ask the Unions and their members just one question. Why do you not harness your energies and work alongside the politicians in an effort to redress the balances caused by the banks, rather than destroy your own country via your actions?
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Please feel free to leave your comments via the Comment faclity below this article.

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21012- A Year For Presidential Elections (and other things!!)

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeThis New Year, 2012, promises to be one of great activity around the world. Activity that WILL impact on many millions of us, whichever country we live in.

Lets start with Russia. The Presidential Election is taking place on March 4th. It may be considered slightly cynical to think that the outcome is already known. What do we know about it so far? Well, back in 2011, the current President,President Mevedev, invited the previous president, the current Prime Minister, Mr Putin, to run for election. Much to everyones surprise (ha ha!) he accepted. In return for his good works, Mr Putin then announced that President Medvedev would make a damned good Prime Minister. (How unforseen was that!) We are told that 40% of Russians support the re-election of Putin to the post of President. Question: Doesn't that then mean that 60% DON'T want him back? So what, it's only numbers after all. There are however, significant numbers of people who will now question how that figure was arrived at. Will there be a Russian Spring? We'll reflect on this again soon I suspect.

Moving westwards to France, we have the French Presidential Elections in April. April 22nd to be precise. There is a booking though for May 6th, just in case a run-off is required. The two men jousting for position here are the current President, Sarkosy(Union of Poular Movement-UMP), his opposition comes from the Socialist Party(PS) in the form of Francoise Hollande. There seems to be just a modicum controversy surrounding Sarkosy and his election prospects, but it is best not to enter that arena here at this time until all becomes clearer.

Now we move a lot further west-to the United States of America in fact. The country is currently a hive of activity with electoral meetings, television debates, people digging up the dirt on their opponents (this happens everywhere I reckon) and people jetting around seeking assurances that they will recieve the lions share of the vote. It's a shame that not everyone can win. The guy at the top, President Obama, I would already suspect, has a reasonable idea just who his most likely vote stealer is going to be. He is standing for re-election as President on November 6th, in the 57th quadrennial presidential elections in the history of his country. He, or whover succeeds on November 6th, knows that the Vice President is elected on December 17th. Whatever the outcome, the President has a mighty job on his or her hands to settle the problems of the Nation. Unemployment, Poverty and Reform of the financial establishment being top of the agenda.

There is another country that has recently had a change of leadership. No such formailities as elections there though. Keep it in the family is the answer. Yes, you got it in one-North Korea. Following the unplanned departure of Kim Il Sung, son Number One(but number three in age terms I hear) Kim Jon-un was immediately put at the head of the country. Forgive my cynicism, but was that because the Generals know he will do as they tell him?

Back east now, to Europe. What do we have here? Unemployment, Poverty and Reform of the financial establishement. No differences between the USA and Europe then? In truth there are. Europe is growing-there is a queue of countries waiting to join not just Europe, but the Eurozone. The USA remains the same size. Where there are simillarities though, is in the fact that both are made up of a number of different states. Each has its own set of rules, and dare I say, some are in competition with each other. In business terms this might be a good thing. In terms of recovery however, it is the " sum of the whole" not the individal parts, that will achieve success surely.

In the UK, some might consider us as being simply now on the outside looking in, we are not a part of the Eurozone. That is good in terms of not having the same problems as the zone in terms of managing its' currency. It does not though mean that we can sit back and smile at what is going on around us. We have the same problems as the rest of Europe, Debt, Poverty and Unemployment. I can assure the cynics though, that we are still a very powerful member of Europe. Let France forget that at its own peril.

Despite what I hear and what I read, I feel very positive about 2012. I say it at the start of every year I know, but without that positive feeling I would possibly curl up into the foetal position with thumb in mouth, and whimper.

Happy New Year to All.

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