Although things appear to be going well, on a personal front, things are not quite so rosy with the outside world.
Islamic extremism remains the greatest threat to world wide peace. The horrendous assassination of Benazir Bhutto just the latest example in a long list of atrocities against those who strive for peace and reconciliation.
It seems apparent, to myself, that a recession is just around the corner. Greenspan is doing his best to destabilise the fragile US economy, Brown has all but bankrupted the UK, and mainland Europe continues to remain inefficient and corrupt.
Added to this is the British government's failure to maintain safety on the streets for the UK populace. Even the police want the right to strike as the Home Secretary renages on pay agreements. Our armed forces have been run ragged and overstretched. The English Channel no longer provides protecion against illegal immigration. The list goes on ...
So, this is a worrying time for us all. Having said that, a Happy New Year to one and all, and let's pray that my assessment is well wide of the mark.
Monday 31 December 2007
Sunday 23 December 2007
Queen Elizabeth, Longevity, and Success
Yesterday saw Queen Elizabeth II overtake Queen Victoria as Britain's oldest surviving monarch. The previous record being 81 years, seven months and 29 days.
However, her great-great grandmother Victoria will still hold the record as Britain's longest-reigning monarch, unless Queen Elizabeth II remains on the throne until 9th September 2015.
Putting aside longevity, it is interesting to note that the two queens managed to remain on the throne for so long whilst, some might argue, their somewhat weak successors remained on the sidelines until they too were advanced in years.
It is also of social interest that the two British Queens, and their English predecessor Elizabeth, count amongst the most able of British Monarchs. Since Tudor times, it is arguable whether any King has had such a positive effect on the Kingdom as the three women: much as the only woman British Prime Minister, since Churchill, has proved truly effective.
Then I think of Catherine in Russia, Christina in Sweden and, even, Golda Meir in Israel. All strong women who took their countries to the next level. Unfortunately, history proves that all were followed by mediocrity, which wasted much of the advancement under their respective leaderships.
However, her great-great grandmother Victoria will still hold the record as Britain's longest-reigning monarch, unless Queen Elizabeth II remains on the throne until 9th September 2015.
Putting aside longevity, it is interesting to note that the two queens managed to remain on the throne for so long whilst, some might argue, their somewhat weak successors remained on the sidelines until they too were advanced in years.
It is also of social interest that the two British Queens, and their English predecessor Elizabeth, count amongst the most able of British Monarchs. Since Tudor times, it is arguable whether any King has had such a positive effect on the Kingdom as the three women: much as the only woman British Prime Minister, since Churchill, has proved truly effective.
Then I think of Catherine in Russia, Christina in Sweden and, even, Golda Meir in Israel. All strong women who took their countries to the next level. Unfortunately, history proves that all were followed by mediocrity, which wasted much of the advancement under their respective leaderships.
Tuesday 18 December 2007
A Pox On All Those Who Tell Us How To Live
It is one of those annoying truths that every few weeks sees the latest headline grabbing doctor telling us how to be healthy. On many occasions, this contradicts the previous survey. Normally, this causes just a mild annoyance to me. The latest advice is swiftly forgotten as more important issues grab my ever diminishing attention span.
However, this particular research entered the world of historic comparison. Even worse, the research was sponsored by chemist chain Lloydspharmacy. So, in my opinion, Dr Roger Henderson could hardly be considered objective in his studies. Neither could his research be considered academic, in even the loosest sense of the meaning.
In summary, the reseach compared diets in Roman, Medieval, and modern Britain and found that "... the average British diet is now higher in fat, lower in fruit and vegetables and higher in refined sugar". Wow!!! Some research that.
Even more stunning was the conclusion that the modern diet has "... contributed to the rise in obesity-related disease and cholesterol."
His recommendation: avoid excess and exercise on a daily basis. Now, that's probably pretty good advice. However, the average life in medieval times was no more than half of what it is now. He seems to forget that the pox and plague was rampant in Britain, right into relatively modern times. The Great Fire of London was seen as a Godsend, as it cleared the disease ridden streets of plague carrying rats and allowed innovations such as an integral sewer system to be included in the rebuilt capital.
So what was the point of the survey? For me, I'd rather have an extra glass of wine ths Christmas and be pleased that I don't need to worry about the pox or plague running rampant through modern Britain.
However, this particular research entered the world of historic comparison. Even worse, the research was sponsored by chemist chain Lloydspharmacy. So, in my opinion, Dr Roger Henderson could hardly be considered objective in his studies. Neither could his research be considered academic, in even the loosest sense of the meaning.
In summary, the reseach compared diets in Roman, Medieval, and modern Britain and found that "... the average British diet is now higher in fat, lower in fruit and vegetables and higher in refined sugar". Wow!!! Some research that.
Even more stunning was the conclusion that the modern diet has "... contributed to the rise in obesity-related disease and cholesterol."
His recommendation: avoid excess and exercise on a daily basis. Now, that's probably pretty good advice. However, the average life in medieval times was no more than half of what it is now. He seems to forget that the pox and plague was rampant in Britain, right into relatively modern times. The Great Fire of London was seen as a Godsend, as it cleared the disease ridden streets of plague carrying rats and allowed innovations such as an integral sewer system to be included in the rebuilt capital.
So what was the point of the survey? For me, I'd rather have an extra glass of wine ths Christmas and be pleased that I don't need to worry about the pox or plague running rampant through modern Britain.
Monday 17 December 2007
Operational Overstretch for UK and US Air Forces?
It is perhaps reassuring to know that US politicians are managing to fail in a remarkably similar way to inept Labour politicians in the UK. Unfortunately, that is where the good news ends.
Age and operation overstretch has been blamed for the loss of the RAF Nimrod in Afghanistan on 2nd September 2006. The loss of 14 aircrew lives was the single loss of life for UK forces since the Falklands War.
Meanwhile, the US has been forced to ground it's fleet of approximately 700 F15s. The aircraft dates back to the mid-70s and is no longer in production. It is currently seeing service around the world including Iraq, Afghanistan and the UK. Perhaps, more importantly, it is also seeing service in outlying parts of the US; notably Alaska and Hawaii. Having already written about Russian incursions into US airspace, it was today reported by Fox News that Alaskan airspace will be defended by the Canadians until replacements can be found.
Whilst it can be assumed that F15 duties may be covered by other units, it is also known that the US Navy has now grounded a quarter of their 161 P-3Cs due to structural defects. Reuters reported that "that these aircraft are beyond known structural limits on the lower section of the P-3 wing". This is more problematic as these are submarine hunting aircraft, and replacements will be harder to come by.
What these events clearly demonstrate is that the two governments are sending airmen into the skies, in ageing aircraft that are well past their sell-by date. Not that the Nimrod or P-3 is obsolete. Rather, too much strain is put on the individual airframes, and without their replacements being funded for. These errors cost lives, and at a time when our politicians ask so much of the armed services.
Age and operation overstretch has been blamed for the loss of the RAF Nimrod in Afghanistan on 2nd September 2006. The loss of 14 aircrew lives was the single loss of life for UK forces since the Falklands War.
Meanwhile, the US has been forced to ground it's fleet of approximately 700 F15s. The aircraft dates back to the mid-70s and is no longer in production. It is currently seeing service around the world including Iraq, Afghanistan and the UK. Perhaps, more importantly, it is also seeing service in outlying parts of the US; notably Alaska and Hawaii. Having already written about Russian incursions into US airspace, it was today reported by Fox News that Alaskan airspace will be defended by the Canadians until replacements can be found.
Whilst it can be assumed that F15 duties may be covered by other units, it is also known that the US Navy has now grounded a quarter of their 161 P-3Cs due to structural defects. Reuters reported that "that these aircraft are beyond known structural limits on the lower section of the P-3 wing". This is more problematic as these are submarine hunting aircraft, and replacements will be harder to come by.
What these events clearly demonstrate is that the two governments are sending airmen into the skies, in ageing aircraft that are well past their sell-by date. Not that the Nimrod or P-3 is obsolete. Rather, too much strain is put on the individual airframes, and without their replacements being funded for. These errors cost lives, and at a time when our politicians ask so much of the armed services.
Sunday 16 December 2007
Time Is On My Side
This post isn't dedicated to Jagger and Richards, or their 1964 classic of the same name. If it was, it would probably be far more interesting.
However, after a couple of months of changes in my life, things are now settling down. I've certainly been remiss with my posts, but I'm sure that this hasn't been a loss to anybody other than myself.
Firstly, having accepted one position I chose another at the 11th hour. The reason is not important, but I'm certain I made the right decision. Demands have been great, but job satisfaction has been much greater.
Secondly, we've been involved with some renovations on the house. This will be an on-going thing for the next year, but hopefully it will prove worthwhile and not too time consuming. Unfortunately, it can be assumed that it will be all too consuming in terms of finance.
However, things have now returned to a somewhat less chaotic scenario. So, after several months of silence, time is now on my side. In what appears to be an exciting year ahead, I'll be able to enjoy my hobby of comparing the past with the present.
However, after a couple of months of changes in my life, things are now settling down. I've certainly been remiss with my posts, but I'm sure that this hasn't been a loss to anybody other than myself.
Firstly, having accepted one position I chose another at the 11th hour. The reason is not important, but I'm certain I made the right decision. Demands have been great, but job satisfaction has been much greater.
Secondly, we've been involved with some renovations on the house. This will be an on-going thing for the next year, but hopefully it will prove worthwhile and not too time consuming. Unfortunately, it can be assumed that it will be all too consuming in terms of finance.
However, things have now returned to a somewhat less chaotic scenario. So, after several months of silence, time is now on my side. In what appears to be an exciting year ahead, I'll be able to enjoy my hobby of comparing the past with the present.
Wednesday 3 October 2007
US Media Picks Up On Russian Incursions - At Last!!!
Quite some time after I noted Russian bomber incursions into US airspace (Guam), the US media have at last decided to start reporting these events.
What was quite amusing was the stating by Fox News that Europe had beeen facing this for several months, with increasing levels of Russia sabre-rattling (which was correct), yet felt it unecessary to mention the events over Guam. Why?
I would have thought that more Americans would have had a greater interest in what was happening in their particular spheres of control, rather than what was happening on the fringes of Europe. I'm sure that there would be even more concern if it were known that their government and media had kept these events quiet.
The fact that it was felt necessary to broadcast pictures of Bears over Atlaska surely shows a mounting concern felt by the White House and Pentagon. Perhaps the US government and military should have been more vocal about Guam, then the stand-off in Alaskan airspace need not have happened. However, it will be interesting to see how the Russians now choose to react.
What was quite amusing was the stating by Fox News that Europe had beeen facing this for several months, with increasing levels of Russia sabre-rattling (which was correct), yet felt it unecessary to mention the events over Guam. Why?
I would have thought that more Americans would have had a greater interest in what was happening in their particular spheres of control, rather than what was happening on the fringes of Europe. I'm sure that there would be even more concern if it were known that their government and media had kept these events quiet.
The fact that it was felt necessary to broadcast pictures of Bears over Atlaska surely shows a mounting concern felt by the White House and Pentagon. Perhaps the US government and military should have been more vocal about Guam, then the stand-off in Alaskan airspace need not have happened. However, it will be interesting to see how the Russians now choose to react.
Monday 1 October 2007
Burma and a History of Massacres
As the bloodshed continues in Burma, I am minded by a section in 'Pirate King - Coxinga and the Fall of the Ming Dynasty', by Jonathan Clements. In it, he recounts the end of the Ming dynasty as told by "eunuch servant" Yang Deze. This was not in China, but in Burma.
Having spent almost 15 years on the run from the Mongolian Manchus, the last of the Ming had fled westwards, and by June 1659 had reached Sagaing in Burma. When King Bintale was murdered by his brother Pye Min, the Ming were doomed. In the following massacre of the Ming, Duke Mu and several thousand supporters were killed. With a late change of plan, the Emperor, his mother, wife, concubine, son, and Yang Deze were spared. However, these survivors were soon handed over to the Manchus who swiftly executed the Emperor and his young son. The wife committed suicide before she could be prevented.
As a footnote, Yang survived the massacre and wote an eyewitness account of the last days of the Ming Dynasty.
Having spent almost 15 years on the run from the Mongolian Manchus, the last of the Ming had fled westwards, and by June 1659 had reached Sagaing in Burma. When King Bintale was murdered by his brother Pye Min, the Ming were doomed. In the following massacre of the Ming, Duke Mu and several thousand supporters were killed. With a late change of plan, the Emperor, his mother, wife, concubine, son, and Yang Deze were spared. However, these survivors were soon handed over to the Manchus who swiftly executed the Emperor and his young son. The wife committed suicide before she could be prevented.
As a footnote, Yang survived the massacre and wote an eyewitness account of the last days of the Ming Dynasty.
Wednesday 26 September 2007
A Few Changes
I'm intending to make a few more changes to the format and design of this blog. Posting renewed on Saturday ...
Wednesday 29 August 2007
Terrorism Shown To Pay
Once again, I return to the explosive topic of terrorism. Or rather, how terrorism does indeed pay. The source of the picture is Sky News who covered former conicted terrorist Mandela at the unveiling of a statue in Parliament Square. The irony that a terrorist should be honoured in a place so close to the Mother of all Parliaments is certainly not lost on me.
So at the same time as the Labour Party dominated Select Committee on Foriegn Affairs is recommending dialogue with the likes of Hamas, Brown shows his contempt for democracy by allowing a man convicted of blowing up a train of civilians to strut his stuff in Westminster.
And this doesn't even address what he, and the ANC, have inflicted on South Africa or allowed in Zimbabwe. Talking to terrorists does not lead to peace, security and democracy!
Tuesday 28 August 2007
History, Admiral Lord Nelson and General David Petraeus
This is not intended to be a comparison of the respective merits of two commanders. Rather, it is an observation on the similarity of events that saw Admiral Lord Nelson assume command of the British fleet in the Mediterranean and General Petraeus take command of the allied multinational force in Iraq.
What occurs to me is that national leaders sometimes consider it necessary to circumvent the accepted order of military command and protocol, when the situation demands. William Pitt was continuously thwarted by the 'old guard' in Whitehall. George Bush was badly advised, over a number of years, in how to obtain victory in Iraq. What is certain is that both resorted to hiring a relatively junior officer to expedite matters. Nelson went on to destroy the French fleet at Aboukir Bay, and Petraeus has stabilised the situation in Baghdad and the surrounding Sunni region.
What is also striking in it's similarity is how those with less talent take the earliest opportunity to strike at the successful. With Nelson, Whig Admiral Sir John Jervis was thought to have attempted to undermine Nelson. That the likes of abject failures such as General Wesley Clark should have 'sniped' at Petraeus is hardly surprising. What is, perhaps, more surprising is that ralative failure General George Casey should attempt to undermine Petraeus's plan by playing politics as US Army Chief of Staff. The reason why Petraeus was placed in command, in the first place.
What occurs to me is that national leaders sometimes consider it necessary to circumvent the accepted order of military command and protocol, when the situation demands. William Pitt was continuously thwarted by the 'old guard' in Whitehall. George Bush was badly advised, over a number of years, in how to obtain victory in Iraq. What is certain is that both resorted to hiring a relatively junior officer to expedite matters. Nelson went on to destroy the French fleet at Aboukir Bay, and Petraeus has stabilised the situation in Baghdad and the surrounding Sunni region.
What is also striking in it's similarity is how those with less talent take the earliest opportunity to strike at the successful. With Nelson, Whig Admiral Sir John Jervis was thought to have attempted to undermine Nelson. That the likes of abject failures such as General Wesley Clark should have 'sniped' at Petraeus is hardly surprising. What is, perhaps, more surprising is that ralative failure General George Casey should attempt to undermine Petraeus's plan by playing politics as US Army Chief of Staff. The reason why Petraeus was placed in command, in the first place.
Tuesday 14 August 2007
Unhistorical Dramas
Today, I have been considering how perceptions of history have been distorted by the film world. Obviously, Hollywood has been the recent major Western culprit, albeit not in the same class as Eisenstein or Riefenstahl. However, the aim has been the same. To provide a political message in an entertaining setting that doesn’t ask too many questions of the viewer. As such, the viewer’s idea of history will be shaped by the filmmaker.
I’ve long been interested why history has been distorted, and as I’ve gotten older, tend to believe that this is not to allow a more enjoyable film but rather to ‘educate’ the viewer who will then unconsciously adopt the same viewpoint as the filmmaker.
John Wayne’s ‘Green Berets’ was the only major mainstream film to support the US troops in Vietnam, and was funded by himself in attempt to balance all the negativity emanating from Hollywood. More recently, we have seen Mel Gibson take part and finance projects for, what many consider, ‘vehicles’ by which he was able to express his anti-British and anti-Semitic views. Even more recently, we have seen two films (King Arthur and The Kingdom of Heaven), which I actually enjoyed by the way, distort social history by suggesting that Christians were generally venal and that the other side were generally justified and noble freedom fighters.
So, what has brought this particular post on? An interesting article in USA Today, on the new Hollywood historical drama 'September Dawn', as it happens. The link is:
http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2007/08/hollywoods-terr.html
The article expresses many of the concerns that I generally feel, and also raises a number of unanswered questions. Fortunately, the images portrayed by this latest Hollywood offering are for US citizens to ponder upon, as we have enough to worry about over here, without visiting the possible 'sins of the father' on Mitt Romney and his Presidential campaign. It is unlikely to prove a box office success over here!
I’ve long been interested why history has been distorted, and as I’ve gotten older, tend to believe that this is not to allow a more enjoyable film but rather to ‘educate’ the viewer who will then unconsciously adopt the same viewpoint as the filmmaker.
John Wayne’s ‘Green Berets’ was the only major mainstream film to support the US troops in Vietnam, and was funded by himself in attempt to balance all the negativity emanating from Hollywood. More recently, we have seen Mel Gibson take part and finance projects for, what many consider, ‘vehicles’ by which he was able to express his anti-British and anti-Semitic views. Even more recently, we have seen two films (King Arthur and The Kingdom of Heaven), which I actually enjoyed by the way, distort social history by suggesting that Christians were generally venal and that the other side were generally justified and noble freedom fighters.
So, what has brought this particular post on? An interesting article in USA Today, on the new Hollywood historical drama 'September Dawn', as it happens. The link is:
http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2007/08/hollywoods-terr.html
The article expresses many of the concerns that I generally feel, and also raises a number of unanswered questions. Fortunately, the images portrayed by this latest Hollywood offering are for US citizens to ponder upon, as we have enough to worry about over here, without visiting the possible 'sins of the father' on Mitt Romney and his Presidential campaign. It is unlikely to prove a box office success over here!
Monday 13 August 2007
FAC Urge Dialogue with Islamic Terrorists
The Commons foreign affairs committee (CFAC) said the decision not to enter talks with Hamas "has been counterproductive" and that "active support for the establishment of a national unity government in Palestine should be a key UK objective."
This of course appears to forget that the Palestinian President is fiercely opposed to these Islamic extremists, and has seen his followers purged in fierce West Bank fighting. Once Fatah has been destroyed, it is not diifficult to see where Hamas will once again turn their attentions to.
The question I want to ask though is what the hell the CFAC thinks it is doing recommending ties with a terrorist organisation, and what message it is sending the world? With Brown looking for an early exit from Iraq, and failing spectacularly to halt further British losses in Afghanistan, it looks like the CFAC is attempting to develop a policy of pacifism when faced with Islamic fascism around the world. And, how long will it be before Pelosi persuades the US Congress to follow suit?
This of course appears to forget that the Palestinian President is fiercely opposed to these Islamic extremists, and has seen his followers purged in fierce West Bank fighting. Once Fatah has been destroyed, it is not diifficult to see where Hamas will once again turn their attentions to.
The question I want to ask though is what the hell the CFAC thinks it is doing recommending ties with a terrorist organisation, and what message it is sending the world? With Brown looking for an early exit from Iraq, and failing spectacularly to halt further British losses in Afghanistan, it looks like the CFAC is attempting to develop a policy of pacifism when faced with Islamic fascism around the world. And, how long will it be before Pelosi persuades the US Congress to follow suit?
Thursday 9 August 2007
US Quiet on Russians Over Guam
It is perhaps a little surprising that the Russian 'buzzing' of Guam, on Wednesday, has not been reported in the main US and UK media outlets.
Whilst the US appears to remain tight-lipped about the incident, the Russians have been a lot less retiscent. Unlike the unnamed US source in the previous blog, about UK forces in Basra, Major General Pavel Androsov has no such fear of having to remain incommunicado. He told a press conference in Moscow that "it was always the tradition of our long-range aviation to fly far into the ocean, to meet (US) aircraft carriers and greet (US) pilots visually," and that "yesterday we revived this tradition."
It has also been reported that last month RAF Tornado fighters were twice forced to scramble after Tu-95 bombers flew close to British airspace. These were the same type of large bomber, capable of delivering a nuclear device, that 'buzzed' Guam on Wednesday. So, what is the Russian game?
Flexing it's muscle ... undoubtedly. However, there is a serious message here that shows this more than 'sabre rattling'. At the beginning of August, Georgia was subjected to an air attack by Russia who also claimed the Arctic as its own that same week. How long will the international community stand idly by and allow Putin to 'strut his stuff' on the world stage.
Whilst the US appears to remain tight-lipped about the incident, the Russians have been a lot less retiscent. Unlike the unnamed US source in the previous blog, about UK forces in Basra, Major General Pavel Androsov has no such fear of having to remain incommunicado. He told a press conference in Moscow that "it was always the tradition of our long-range aviation to fly far into the ocean, to meet (US) aircraft carriers and greet (US) pilots visually," and that "yesterday we revived this tradition."
It has also been reported that last month RAF Tornado fighters were twice forced to scramble after Tu-95 bombers flew close to British airspace. These were the same type of large bomber, capable of delivering a nuclear device, that 'buzzed' Guam on Wednesday. So, what is the Russian game?
Flexing it's muscle ... undoubtedly. However, there is a serious message here that shows this more than 'sabre rattling'. At the beginning of August, Georgia was subjected to an air attack by Russia who also claimed the Arctic as its own that same week. How long will the international community stand idly by and allow Putin to 'strut his stuff' on the world stage.
Tuesday 7 August 2007
US Claims of British Failure in Basra
It has been reported that a senior US intelligence official claims that British forces lost control of Basra by pulling our troops out of Basra too quickly. As such, "the British have basically been defeated in the south," he told the 'Washington Post'.
In a report due to be published in the 'Post' tomorrow, the official said that a contingent of 500 British troops based at Basra Palace were "surrounded like cowboys and Indians."
Of course, this appears somewhat simplistic as a soldier from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh was killed when he came under fire during an operation in the Al Fursi district of Basra last night. The latest death brings the total number of British service personnel who have died in Iraq, since the 2003 invasion, to 165.
Whilst the continuing loss of British life illustrates that the British troops are more than merely holed up in the Basra Palace, he does illustrate how vulnerable the British troops are whilst the politicians sit on their hands in London. They are surrounded, by a number of militia and Iranian insurgents, whilst lacking the equipment or numbers to make their presence of use.
In a report due to be published in the 'Post' tomorrow, the official said that a contingent of 500 British troops based at Basra Palace were "surrounded like cowboys and Indians."
Of course, this appears somewhat simplistic as a soldier from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh was killed when he came under fire during an operation in the Al Fursi district of Basra last night. The latest death brings the total number of British service personnel who have died in Iraq, since the 2003 invasion, to 165.
Whilst the continuing loss of British life illustrates that the British troops are more than merely holed up in the Basra Palace, he does illustrate how vulnerable the British troops are whilst the politicians sit on their hands in London. They are surrounded, by a number of militia and Iranian insurgents, whilst lacking the equipment or numbers to make their presence of use.
Friday 3 August 2007
Guangzhou Artillery Pieces (Part 2)
Today, I wanted to return to the past and share some more pictures taken of artillery pieces in Guangzhou.
The pieces are bronze, most probably made in China, and definitely from the Qing Dynasty. They would have been placed on platforms lower down the hillside allowing 'plunging shot' on any naval force attempting to enter the harbour.
The main armoury for the period can be seen in the rear of the first photograph, and also served as barracks for the garrison.
Thursday 2 August 2007
Smiling Terrorism
A friend of mine recently sent me an e-letter from two parents who were distraught with a US programme whose advertising appeared to glamorise terrorism.¬
After several days of sitting on this, and pondering whether I should post this, I decided I would. Having reported on the end of Operation Banner several days ago, this was a reminder that terrorism is alive and well and some still wish to put a positive spin on the most evil of acts.
Dear friends Today's New York Times carries a review of a film called "Hot House " that goes inside Israeli prisons and examines the lives of Palestinian prisoners. We're not recommending the film or the review. But we do want to share our feelings with you about the beaming female face that adorns the article. You can see it here.
The film is produced by HBO. So it's presumably HBO's publicity department that was responsible for creating and distributing a glamour-style photograph of a smiling, contented-looking young woman in her twenties to promote the movie. That female is our child's murderer. She was sentenced to sixteen life sentences or 320 years which she is serving in an Israeli jail.
Fifteen people were killed and more than a hundred maimed and injured by the actions of this attractive person and her associates. The background is here.Neither the New York Times nor HBO are likely to give even a moment's attention to the victims of the barbarians who destroyed the Sbarro restaurant in Jerusalem and the lives of so many victims.
So we would be grateful if you would pass along this link to some pictures of our daughter whose name was Malki. She was unable to reach her twenties - Hamas saw to that. Though she was only fifteen years old when her life was stolen from her and from us, we think Malki was a beautiful young woman, living a beautiful life. We ask your help so that other people - far fewer than the number who will see the New York Times, of course - can know about her.
Please ask your friends to look at the pictures - some of the very few we have - of our murdered daughter. They are at http://www.kerenmalki.org/photo.htm
And remind them of what the woman in the Israeli prison - the woman smiling so happily in the New York Times - said last year. "I'm not sorry for what I did. We'll become free from the occupation and then I will be free from prison."With so many voices demanding that Israel release its terrorist prisoners, small wonder she's smiling.
With greetings from Jerusalem,Frimet and Arnold Roth
On behalf of Keren Malki
After several days of sitting on this, and pondering whether I should post this, I decided I would. Having reported on the end of Operation Banner several days ago, this was a reminder that terrorism is alive and well and some still wish to put a positive spin on the most evil of acts.
Dear friends Today's New York Times carries a review of a film called "Hot House " that goes inside Israeli prisons and examines the lives of Palestinian prisoners. We're not recommending the film or the review. But we do want to share our feelings with you about the beaming female face that adorns the article. You can see it here.The film is produced by HBO. So it's presumably HBO's publicity department that was responsible for creating and distributing a glamour-style photograph of a smiling, contented-looking young woman in her twenties to promote the movie. That female is our child's murderer. She was sentenced to sixteen life sentences or 320 years which she is serving in an Israeli jail.
Fifteen people were killed and more than a hundred maimed and injured by the actions of this attractive person and her associates. The background is here.Neither the New York Times nor HBO are likely to give even a moment's attention to the victims of the barbarians who destroyed the Sbarro restaurant in Jerusalem and the lives of so many victims.
So we would be grateful if you would pass along this link to some pictures of our daughter whose name was Malki. She was unable to reach her twenties - Hamas saw to that. Though she was only fifteen years old when her life was stolen from her and from us, we think Malki was a beautiful young woman, living a beautiful life. We ask your help so that other people - far fewer than the number who will see the New York Times, of course - can know about her.
Please ask your friends to look at the pictures - some of the very few we have - of our murdered daughter. They are at http://www.kerenmalki.org/photo.htm
And remind them of what the woman in the Israeli prison - the woman smiling so happily in the New York Times - said last year. "I'm not sorry for what I did. We'll become free from the occupation and then I will be free from prison."With so many voices demanding that Israel release its terrorist prisoners, small wonder she's smiling.
With greetings from Jerusalem,Frimet and Arnold Roth
On behalf of Keren Malki
Tuesday 31 July 2007
'Operation Banner' Comes To An End
After 38 years, Operation Banner will come to end at midnight. Operation Banner was ostensibly an operation to support the RUC in preventing Protestant violence against the Catholic minority in Ulster.
However, militants within the Roman Catholic community used the opportunity to direct Republican sentiment against the government; costing 763 British servicemen their lives. Numerous citizens, many of them completely innocent, were killed on both sides of the Irish Channel.
Whilst the current terrorist activities of the IRA are now minimal, it should be remembered that the IRA (and Loyalist Paramilitaries) have now become the gangland enforcers in their communities. The economics of vice have replaced the politics of hate. As such, the government has failed to protect the interests of the Northern Ireland population by allowing these same muderers to continue in the coercion of their respective communities.
However, militants within the Roman Catholic community used the opportunity to direct Republican sentiment against the government; costing 763 British servicemen their lives. Numerous citizens, many of them completely innocent, were killed on both sides of the Irish Channel.
Whilst the current terrorist activities of the IRA are now minimal, it should be remembered that the IRA (and Loyalist Paramilitaries) have now become the gangland enforcers in their communities. The economics of vice have replaced the politics of hate. As such, the government has failed to protect the interests of the Northern Ireland population by allowing these same muderers to continue in the coercion of their respective communities.
Friday 20 July 2007
The Continuing Failure of NATO in Afghanistan
Former Scots Guard, Captain Leo Docherty (Rtd.), is quite correct when saying that our presence in Afghanistan is a "huge political failure".
His comments are timely as they correspond with the thoughts of the Parliamentary Defence Select Committee (PDSC) who claimed that it was "deeply concerned" about what was happening in Afghanistan. In addition, the PDSC urged NATO to send more troops to the country; and that they should come from Germany and France in particular.
It is clear that Britain, the US, and Canada is currently bearing the majority of military and financial cost in this theatre of operations. Whilst Britain has approximately 7,000 British military personnel in southern Afghanistan, it is surely impossible to take and hold all Taliban strongholds in such a vast area.
The original plan for Helmand Province was for security and reconstruction to take place in conjunction with one another. However, the level of activity between British soldiers and the Taliban has ensured that reconstruction is not afforded the attention that is required. Hence, The Afghans return to their poppy growing.
So, once again the history of Afghanistan is ignored. The 1st Afghan War, the 2nd Afghan War, the Russian occupation ...
His comments are timely as they correspond with the thoughts of the Parliamentary Defence Select Committee (PDSC) who claimed that it was "deeply concerned" about what was happening in Afghanistan. In addition, the PDSC urged NATO to send more troops to the country; and that they should come from Germany and France in particular.
It is clear that Britain, the US, and Canada is currently bearing the majority of military and financial cost in this theatre of operations. Whilst Britain has approximately 7,000 British military personnel in southern Afghanistan, it is surely impossible to take and hold all Taliban strongholds in such a vast area.
The original plan for Helmand Province was for security and reconstruction to take place in conjunction with one another. However, the level of activity between British soldiers and the Taliban has ensured that reconstruction is not afforded the attention that is required. Hence, The Afghans return to their poppy growing.
So, once again the history of Afghanistan is ignored. The 1st Afghan War, the 2nd Afghan War, the Russian occupation ...
Thursday 19 July 2007
Holidays and Global Warming
Having got back from the sunniest part of the country, my thoughts once again turn to global warming.
Last summer was somewhat dry, and we were told that Britain would soon become sub-Saharan in a matter of years. Hosepipe bans were enforced throughout much of the country, and water bills soared.
This summer has seen almost constant rain, with flooding throughout the north-east. The government response was pitiful, but that's another story. Neither are we alone. China, the US, Brazil ... all have seen much more than their fair share of the wet stuff. Even droughts in parts of Australia have been ended.
Global warming may be an actuality, but what is clear is that the causes and affects are not understood by those who profess knowledge on the subject. Government funding of the vast amounts of research see these soothsayers spout what their paymasters want to hear. Neutral or opposing opinions are drowned out by the chattering classes.
Meanwhile my summer hols were the wettest I could remember! Even South West England was a bit of a damp squib.
Last summer was somewhat dry, and we were told that Britain would soon become sub-Saharan in a matter of years. Hosepipe bans were enforced throughout much of the country, and water bills soared.
This summer has seen almost constant rain, with flooding throughout the north-east. The government response was pitiful, but that's another story. Neither are we alone. China, the US, Brazil ... all have seen much more than their fair share of the wet stuff. Even droughts in parts of Australia have been ended.
Global warming may be an actuality, but what is clear is that the causes and affects are not understood by those who profess knowledge on the subject. Government funding of the vast amounts of research see these soothsayers spout what their paymasters want to hear. Neutral or opposing opinions are drowned out by the chattering classes.
Meanwhile my summer hols were the wettest I could remember! Even South West England was a bit of a damp squib.
Monday 9 July 2007
Holiday
Just a few lines to say that I've decided to take a one week holiday, and will be heading down south tomorrow morning.
I've decided that a break will do wonders for my creative side. More blogs to follow ...
I've decided that a break will do wonders for my creative side. More blogs to follow ...
Wednesday 20 June 2007
Surviving Bevin Boys to be Remembered
Surviving members of the 48,000 Bevin Boys are to be awarded a badge for their work during the 2nd World War. The official recognition is for the conscripted and volunteer force that helped keep the British coal mines running from 1943 onwards.
The Bevin Boys were named after Ernest Bevin, Labour MP, and Minister of Labour and National Service in Churchill's coalition government. Approximately 50% were conscripts selected by ballot to serve in the mines. The remainder were volunteers who chose coal mining in preference to serving in branches of the Armed Services.
Of course, one might wonder why British merchantmen, particularly those involved in the Russian convoys, have yet to receive any award for their services.
The Bevin Boys were named after Ernest Bevin, Labour MP, and Minister of Labour and National Service in Churchill's coalition government. Approximately 50% were conscripts selected by ballot to serve in the mines. The remainder were volunteers who chose coal mining in preference to serving in branches of the Armed Services.
Of course, one might wonder why British merchantmen, particularly those involved in the Russian convoys, have yet to receive any award for their services.
Tuesday 19 June 2007
North Korea Fires Missile at Japan
The China Daily today reported the following. "North Korea fired a short-range missile toward waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, a South Korean intelligence official said Tuesday, amid signs of progress in ending North Korea's nuclear weapons program. The North "fired the short-range missile around 3:30 (2:30 a.m. EDT)," the South Korean official said on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the issue." There were no comments in addition to this extremely brief article.
This was the second missile firing in as many weeks, and comes after the test-firing of a number of short-range missiles, into the Sea of Japan, on 26th May 2007.
These events come as the UN nuclear inspectors prepare to visit North Korea next week. This is ostensibly to discuss the monitoring and verification of shutting down the Yongbyon nuclear reactor. Am I alone in feeling that we have been here before, with both Iraq and Iran?
This was the second missile firing in as many weeks, and comes after the test-firing of a number of short-range missiles, into the Sea of Japan, on 26th May 2007.
These events come as the UN nuclear inspectors prepare to visit North Korea next week. This is ostensibly to discuss the monitoring and verification of shutting down the Yongbyon nuclear reactor. Am I alone in feeling that we have been here before, with both Iraq and Iran?
Friday 15 June 2007
Kurt Waldheim Dies
I don't like to speak ill of the dead, but in this case I'll make an exception. Ardent Nazi, Kurt Waldheim, died yesterday at the age of 88. His most notable posts were as Secretary-General of the United Nations, President of Austria, and Nazi intelligence officer in the Balkans.
Many would argue that he was a member of the Wehrmacht, and no Nazi. However, evidence to the contrary, shows this not to be the truth.
He actively supported the Germans and Croats in their suppression of the Bosnians, and was complicit in the massacre at Kozara in 1942. He was also involved in massacres against the Yugoslavs and Greeks in 1943-44; particularly with reference to massacres at Kalavrita, Klissura, Distomo and Chortiatis. He is also thought to have been involved with the torture and execution of British troops under Hitler's 'Commando Order'.
What is not beyond doubt was his direct involvement in the deportation of the Greek Jews to the concentration camps and his anti-Israeli stance.
Needless to say, his passing will see no mourning for him in my house. Indeed, it is unbelievable that a Nazi with his record could be allowed to gain high office and live into old age with no recourse. Such is the world of international politics!
Many would argue that he was a member of the Wehrmacht, and no Nazi. However, evidence to the contrary, shows this not to be the truth.
He actively supported the Germans and Croats in their suppression of the Bosnians, and was complicit in the massacre at Kozara in 1942. He was also involved in massacres against the Yugoslavs and Greeks in 1943-44; particularly with reference to massacres at Kalavrita, Klissura, Distomo and Chortiatis. He is also thought to have been involved with the torture and execution of British troops under Hitler's 'Commando Order'.
What is not beyond doubt was his direct involvement in the deportation of the Greek Jews to the concentration camps and his anti-Israeli stance.
Needless to say, his passing will see no mourning for him in my house. Indeed, it is unbelievable that a Nazi with his record could be allowed to gain high office and live into old age with no recourse. Such is the world of international politics!
Thursday 14 June 2007
The "That Really Bothers Me Blog"
Welcome to Carl W. and his new aforementioned blog.
I look foward to his rants on the US traffic police, etc., so I hope he gets a bit of interest. There seems to be much similarity in the behaviour displayed by these guardians of the road, either side of the Atlantic. But, at least ours aren't gun-toting!
Having had the pleasure of meeting Carl several years ago, the subject of traffic police and tickets seemed to be quite a source of irritation for him. Seems things have not changed over that time. And, it appears he is not alone with these thoughts. Still, if you want to find out more, just click on the link at the left hand side of the page.
However, I trust that this new avenue of interest does not take up too much of his Civil War gaming time, as he is a valued cross-Atlantic opponent.
I look foward to his rants on the US traffic police, etc., so I hope he gets a bit of interest. There seems to be much similarity in the behaviour displayed by these guardians of the road, either side of the Atlantic. But, at least ours aren't gun-toting!
Having had the pleasure of meeting Carl several years ago, the subject of traffic police and tickets seemed to be quite a source of irritation for him. Seems things have not changed over that time. And, it appears he is not alone with these thoughts. Still, if you want to find out more, just click on the link at the left hand side of the page.
However, I trust that this new avenue of interest does not take up too much of his Civil War gaming time, as he is a valued cross-Atlantic opponent.
25th Anniversary of Falklands Victory
Today marks the 25th Anniversary of the victory over the occupying Argentinian force on the Falkland Islands.
The force sent 8,000 miles from Britain suffered 255 dead, and the native Falkland Island population a further 3.
The war succeeded, in addition to the reclaiming of the British territory, to provide the final nail in the coffin of the Argentinian military junta.
It is a tragedy that subsequent administrations have ensured that we would not be able to repeat this course of action, when required to defend British subjects in the future.
The force sent 8,000 miles from Britain suffered 255 dead, and the native Falkland Island population a further 3.
The war succeeded, in addition to the reclaiming of the British territory, to provide the final nail in the coffin of the Argentinian military junta.
It is a tragedy that subsequent administrations have ensured that we would not be able to repeat this course of action, when required to defend British subjects in the future.
Thursday 24 May 2007
Chagos Islanders Return
The Appeal Court has upheld the decision of the High Court that those families forcibly removed from all but one of the Chagos Islands, by the British Government in the 1960s and 1970s, should be allowed to return.
The Chagos Islands are situated in the Indian Ocean, with the population being removed to site the Diego Garcia US airbase. The Government had claimed that the removal of the islanders had been for "peace, order and good government".
The Appeal Court dismissed the government action, ruling that it was using a method both unlawful and an abuse of power. Lord Justice Waller attacked Foreign Secretary, Margaret Beckett, personally by stating that she "was acting without any constraint". Lord Justice Hooper and Mr Justice Cresswell ruled that the islander's interest had been ignored and that government actions had been "irrational and unlawful".
The Chagos Islands are situated in the Indian Ocean, with the population being removed to site the Diego Garcia US airbase. The Government had claimed that the removal of the islanders had been for "peace, order and good government".
The Appeal Court dismissed the government action, ruling that it was using a method both unlawful and an abuse of power. Lord Justice Waller attacked Foreign Secretary, Margaret Beckett, personally by stating that she "was acting without any constraint". Lord Justice Hooper and Mr Justice Cresswell ruled that the islander's interest had been ignored and that government actions had been "irrational and unlawful".
Wednesday 23 May 2007
Corporal Jeremy Brookes, 4th Battalion The Rifles
Sympathy should be extended to the family of Corporal Jeremy Brookes, of the 4th Battalion The Rifles. He became the latest British serviceman, on Monday, to die in Iraq.
He was killed following an attack on his convoy in al Tuwaysa, a district in central Basra.
The 4th Battalion The Rifles were formerly known as the Royal Green Jacket Regiment, before the latest re-organisation in February 2007.
Tuesday 22 May 2007
Guangzhou Artillery Pieces (Part 1)
On a recent trip to China, I visited part of the old walled city. Recent government work has seen a reversal of the destruction of 'all things old' that happened under the Cultural Revolution.
My wife remembered the old guns being scattered over the hillside, in the 70s, where children used to play on them.
Fortunately, a bit more respect is being shown to Chinese history nowadays. As such, a number of artillery pieces have been displayed in the area where they would have been sited. The best surviving example is this piece, which I have taken at a couple of angles. I know it was German manufactured, and rifled. I estimate that it is probably from around the 1870s. The site was one of the highest points in Guangzhou, and would have overlooked the inland harbour. I therefore believe it would have been for intended use against ships, although the depth of the Pearl River would have dictated that these would have been of gun boat proportions. Any information, or thoughts, on this artillery piece would be greatly appreciated.
Thursday 17 May 2007
Russians Launch Attacks Against Estonia
It has probably passed most of us by that Russia and Estonia have been locked in their worst dispute since the former Soviet Union's occupation of the Baltic State. The dispute has been over the removal of a Soviet war memorial in Tallinn, which a senior Kremlin official yesterday described as "barbaric".
Since the dispute began last month, Estonia has been subject to a series of prolonged attacks on national websites. Merit Kopli, editor of Postimees has been quoted as saying that "the cyber-attacks are from Russia. There is no question. It's political." Of course, Russia has tried to ridicule the assertion with Ambassador Vladimir Chizhov, in Brussels, saying that any such claims were a "serious allegation that has to be substantiated". This, of course, falls well short of a denial.
Concerns are now being expressed by Nato, who have recently sent internet experts to Estonia to investigate the attacks. Russian actions are seen as an "operational security issue" that goes "to the heart of the alliance's modus operandi."
Since the dispute began last month, Estonia has been subject to a series of prolonged attacks on national websites. Merit Kopli, editor of Postimees has been quoted as saying that "the cyber-attacks are from Russia. There is no question. It's political." Of course, Russia has tried to ridicule the assertion with Ambassador Vladimir Chizhov, in Brussels, saying that any such claims were a "serious allegation that has to be substantiated". This, of course, falls well short of a denial.
Concerns are now being expressed by Nato, who have recently sent internet experts to Estonia to investigate the attacks. Russian actions are seen as an "operational security issue" that goes "to the heart of the alliance's modus operandi."
Wednesday 16 May 2007
Abu Mujtaba Calls the Shots
In a previous post, in February, I wrote that it "now looks like that Prince Harry will be accompanying his cavalry Regiment to Basra. If Prince Harry does accompany "A" Squadron, with the Blues and Royals, then he'll be closely following in his Uncle's footsteps who served in the Falklands."
Today, the overall British army commander, Sir Richard Dannatt, issued a statement stating that Prince Harry will not be deployed to Iraq. This was due to concern about the number of "specific threats" made against his life.
So, Abu Mujtaba and his Mahdi army unit appear to dictate British army policy. It also shows that whilst threats are made against all allied serviceman; only Prince Harry is inexpendable. This is in stark contrast to the recent case of the planned kidnap of a Muslim soldier who had served in Afghanistan. The group responsible had intended an "Iraqi-style" conspiracy, whereby they planned to film the beheading of the soldier, and post it on the internet as a warning to Muslims not to help the Armed Forces. So, with this same logic, would it not prove right that the 300+ Muslim servicemen should also not be expected to serve in the Middle East?
This is a bad decision taken by the British Army and the Ministry of Defence. As such, it will just add to accusations that the modern Royal family has nothing to do with public service, but is all about the cult of celebrity.
Today, the overall British army commander, Sir Richard Dannatt, issued a statement stating that Prince Harry will not be deployed to Iraq. This was due to concern about the number of "specific threats" made against his life.
So, Abu Mujtaba and his Mahdi army unit appear to dictate British army policy. It also shows that whilst threats are made against all allied serviceman; only Prince Harry is inexpendable. This is in stark contrast to the recent case of the planned kidnap of a Muslim soldier who had served in Afghanistan. The group responsible had intended an "Iraqi-style" conspiracy, whereby they planned to film the beheading of the soldier, and post it on the internet as a warning to Muslims not to help the Armed Forces. So, with this same logic, would it not prove right that the 300+ Muslim servicemen should also not be expected to serve in the Middle East?
This is a bad decision taken by the British Army and the Ministry of Defence. As such, it will just add to accusations that the modern Royal family has nothing to do with public service, but is all about the cult of celebrity.
Monday 14 May 2007
Colonel H. Jones VC
John Geddes, author of new release 'Spearhead Assault: Our Fight to Save the Falklands', is a former para who served with Colonel Jones during the Falklands War in 1982. His new book, on the conflict, is sure to cause controversy as he has put into print what many have suspected for some time.
He states that it was "madness" and "suicidal" for Jones to charge enemy positions during the battle, and claims that his decisions resulted in the death of his own best friend. Indeed, he believes that Jones's actions were motivated by "... anger, passion and regret at the loss of his friend, Dave Wood. His judgement was unbalanced and what he did was lionhearted but ill-conceived and futile." As such, John Geddes believes that Colonel H. Jones was undeserving of his VC.
What is certain, in my opinion, is that the only ones who truly know what happened are the British para survivors of the attack on Goose Green. Their opinions are valid, despite the likes of General Sir John Wilsey who find it "offensive" that John Geddes should question the validity of Colonel Jones getting the VC.
He states that it was "madness" and "suicidal" for Jones to charge enemy positions during the battle, and claims that his decisions resulted in the death of his own best friend. Indeed, he believes that Jones's actions were motivated by "... anger, passion and regret at the loss of his friend, Dave Wood. His judgement was unbalanced and what he did was lionhearted but ill-conceived and futile." As such, John Geddes believes that Colonel H. Jones was undeserving of his VC.
What is certain, in my opinion, is that the only ones who truly know what happened are the British para survivors of the attack on Goose Green. Their opinions are valid, despite the likes of General Sir John Wilsey who find it "offensive" that John Geddes should question the validity of Colonel Jones getting the VC.
Saturday 12 May 2007
Napoleon Always Lived Like An Emperor
The following is a reproduced article by Malcom Moore, for the Daily Telegraph on 12th May 2007 . In my opinion, this was a particularly interesting piece on the restoration of Napoleon's restored villa on the island of Elba.
"Napoleon's will to succeed even in exile and defeat has been revealed with the first full restoration with the first full restoration of his two villas on the island of Elba.
'The bedroom of one of Napoleon's restored villas'
Copy. 'Daily Telegpraph' 12.5.07 The French despot was banished to the island, 12 miles off the Italian coast, in 1814 after abdicating following his defeat by Britain and her continental allies.
Lord Liverpool, the prime minister, said Napoleon's exile had hit the Corsican "as hard as one can, and in the most vulnerable place". He tried committing suicide but failed, while one witness described him as a "wild animal in a cell" in his first months on Elba.
However, his delusions of glory and grandeur were swiftly recreated. During his nine-month stay he declared himself emperor of the island and set about building roads, passing laws and redesigning his residences.
Now, a £1 million restoration project on his two villas has stripped back layers of paint to reveal astonishing frescoes hailing Napoleon's victories at the head of the French armies.
Although his private home was a humble two-storey affair, he hired the court painter at Turin, Vincenzo Antonio Revelli, for a lavish decoration of the interior. In one room, Napoleon could remember his victories in Egypt 13 years earlier amid paintings of sphinxes and hieroglyphics.
In his bedroom, he could stare at a ceiling entirely covered in his personal symbol of the bee, alternating with the cross of the legion d'honneur. A list of furniture found in archives showed that the room was bare, except for a bed and an enormous free-standing mirror.
Although Napoleon at that stage was too poor to afford drapes and tapestries, Revelli simply painted the walls to look as if they were covered in expensive material.
Ever the soldier, Napoleon brought with him a canvas camp bed, which he set up in the garden to sleep on, and plotted over maps at his desk. It is said he forced his young son, Napoleon II, to sleep on the camp bed to instil soldierly grit at an early age.
Dr Roberta Martinelli researched and oversaw the renovation work after discovering the inventory of all the furniture in the two villas during Napoleon's stay. "It was sitting in the archive at Portoferraio [Elba's capital] but no one had ever bothered to look at it," she said. "When I first arrived, there was some distance between how the villas looked and how they would have looked in Napoleon's day," she said. "They were full of furniture and paintings from the century after, because they had been used as private houses." The residences have only been public museums since 1938.
Dr Martinelli wants the buildings to be perfectly restored by 2014, in time for the 200th anniversary of Napoleon's arrival. She was the driving force behind a pact signed between Romano Prodi, Italy's prime minister, and Jacques Chirac, the departing French president, which will see several pieces of furniture return from France to Elba.
She has also discovered a trove of letters written by Napoleon while he was on the island at the French national archives in Paris. The letters reveal his desire to control the island, as well as his softer side; some nights he would wander through the candlelit garden and sing.
Locals are enthusiastic about the project, which will hopefully swell the number of tourists who visit Elba. At present, around 200,000 visitors arrive each year.
"Napoleon was fundamental to this island, he created everything here," said Clyde Schiavo, a guide at the museum. "We still refer to him as our emperor."
Napoleon escaped from Elba in 1815, slipping past the British fleet and landing in France. However, after defeat at Waterloo he was exiled again, this time to St Helena in the south Atlantic, where he died."
"Napoleon's will to succeed even in exile and defeat has been revealed with the first full restoration with the first full restoration of his two villas on the island of Elba.
'The bedroom of one of Napoleon's restored villas'Copy. 'Daily Telegpraph' 12.5.07
Lord Liverpool, the prime minister, said Napoleon's exile had hit the Corsican "as hard as one can, and in the most vulnerable place". He tried committing suicide but failed, while one witness described him as a "wild animal in a cell" in his first months on Elba.
However, his delusions of glory and grandeur were swiftly recreated. During his nine-month stay he declared himself emperor of the island and set about building roads, passing laws and redesigning his residences.
Now, a £1 million restoration project on his two villas has stripped back layers of paint to reveal astonishing frescoes hailing Napoleon's victories at the head of the French armies.
Although his private home was a humble two-storey affair, he hired the court painter at Turin, Vincenzo Antonio Revelli, for a lavish decoration of the interior. In one room, Napoleon could remember his victories in Egypt 13 years earlier amid paintings of sphinxes and hieroglyphics.
In his bedroom, he could stare at a ceiling entirely covered in his personal symbol of the bee, alternating with the cross of the legion d'honneur. A list of furniture found in archives showed that the room was bare, except for a bed and an enormous free-standing mirror.
Although Napoleon at that stage was too poor to afford drapes and tapestries, Revelli simply painted the walls to look as if they were covered in expensive material.
Ever the soldier, Napoleon brought with him a canvas camp bed, which he set up in the garden to sleep on, and plotted over maps at his desk. It is said he forced his young son, Napoleon II, to sleep on the camp bed to instil soldierly grit at an early age.
Dr Roberta Martinelli researched and oversaw the renovation work after discovering the inventory of all the furniture in the two villas during Napoleon's stay. "It was sitting in the archive at Portoferraio [Elba's capital] but no one had ever bothered to look at it," she said. "When I first arrived, there was some distance between how the villas looked and how they would have looked in Napoleon's day," she said. "They were full of furniture and paintings from the century after, because they had been used as private houses." The residences have only been public museums since 1938.
Dr Martinelli wants the buildings to be perfectly restored by 2014, in time for the 200th anniversary of Napoleon's arrival. She was the driving force behind a pact signed between Romano Prodi, Italy's prime minister, and Jacques Chirac, the departing French president, which will see several pieces of furniture return from France to Elba.
She has also discovered a trove of letters written by Napoleon while he was on the island at the French national archives in Paris. The letters reveal his desire to control the island, as well as his softer side; some nights he would wander through the candlelit garden and sing.
Locals are enthusiastic about the project, which will hopefully swell the number of tourists who visit Elba. At present, around 200,000 visitors arrive each year.
"Napoleon was fundamental to this island, he created everything here," said Clyde Schiavo, a guide at the museum. "We still refer to him as our emperor."
Napoleon escaped from Elba in 1815, slipping past the British fleet and landing in France. However, after defeat at Waterloo he was exiled again, this time to St Helena in the south Atlantic, where he died."
Thursday 10 May 2007
The Blair Witch Project Over After 10 Years of New Labour 'Spin'
So, Tony Blair finally calls it a day after 10 years as Prime Minister. A Nation heaves a heavy sigh of relief, after reducing New Labour to just 27% of the the national vote in the local elections. The Conservatives, despite continuing weakness in Scotland and, to a lesser extent, in Wales managed 41%.
The ironic thing about Blair's resignation was that it was induced by his own party. Blair continues to be far more popular than the Labour Party, and certainly more appealing than PM elect; Gordon Brown.
In a country that leans to the centre-right, it was Blair's achievement to win three elections. This, despite the rabid left-wing that he had managed to marginalise. Having lost four consecutive elections to the Conservatives, Blair was tolerated by the left; in order to gain power. The Labour Party has never had such success, and it seems inconceivable that Gordon Brown can carry that legacy on.
So, the labour Party will, no doubt, lurch to the left and Cameron, as Conservative leader, will continue to emulate Blair by saying nothing of substance and managing to annoy less voters than the opposition.
That will be, perhaps, Blair's true legacy. The politics of conviction will gradually disappear, as voters become even more intolerant of views that they do not themselves hold. Pretty much what has been seen in France with the election of Sarkozy, where an unholy alliance of the militant left and disaffected Islamic youth have continued to riot since last Sunday. The tragedy is that Nations develop when their leaders have a vision for the future, rather than having an eye on the latest opinion poll or focus group.
The ironic thing about Blair's resignation was that it was induced by his own party. Blair continues to be far more popular than the Labour Party, and certainly more appealing than PM elect; Gordon Brown.
In a country that leans to the centre-right, it was Blair's achievement to win three elections. This, despite the rabid left-wing that he had managed to marginalise. Having lost four consecutive elections to the Conservatives, Blair was tolerated by the left; in order to gain power. The Labour Party has never had such success, and it seems inconceivable that Gordon Brown can carry that legacy on.
So, the labour Party will, no doubt, lurch to the left and Cameron, as Conservative leader, will continue to emulate Blair by saying nothing of substance and managing to annoy less voters than the opposition.
That will be, perhaps, Blair's true legacy. The politics of conviction will gradually disappear, as voters become even more intolerant of views that they do not themselves hold. Pretty much what has been seen in France with the election of Sarkozy, where an unholy alliance of the militant left and disaffected Islamic youth have continued to riot since last Sunday. The tragedy is that Nations develop when their leaders have a vision for the future, rather than having an eye on the latest opinion poll or focus group.
Tuesday 8 May 2007
Grecians Win Through to Wembley
Congratulations to Paul Tisdale and Exeter City, after beating the 'big boys' of Oxford United in the Conference Play-Offs.
Despite an appalling decision, disallowing an Exeter City goal in the first half, the Grecians won through to a victory after penalties.
Good luck to Exeter City for the 20th May, where a Wembley final against Morecambe may may well see the Grecians make a welcome return to the Football League.
Despite an appalling decision, disallowing an Exeter City goal in the first half, the Grecians won through to a victory after penalties.
Good luck to Exeter City for the 20th May, where a Wembley final against Morecambe may may well see the Grecians make a welcome return to the Football League.
Wolfowitz Breaches World Banking Code
Officials from the World Bank officials have concluded that their boss Paul Wolfowitz breached the bank’s code of ethics when he arranged a 2005 pay package, and promotion, for girlfriend Shaha Riza. Wolfowitz has maintained, somewhat laughingly, that he "acted in good faith in arranging Miss Riza's pay package."
However, the bank’s full 24-member board, which has the authority to dismiss or reprimand him, has so far failed to reach a decision on what to do. How come?
Yesterday, Kevin Kellems quit his position as a top advisor, reportedly saying that the controversy surrounding Mr Wolfowitz made it “very difficult” for him to do his £100,000-a-year job. Kellem's appointment led to criticism, at the time, as he was hand-picked by Wolfowitz from amongst his cronies at the White House.
Of course, Wolfowitz himself was a somewhat 'surprising' choice as World Bank Chief Executive; considering that he had no relevant experience. The fact that he was the stated choice of President Bush was obviously the deciding factor. Of course, the cynical might think that this is why he has yet to be censured by the World Bank's board. It would be particularly embarrassing for President Bush to have another of his acolytes dismissed for less than honest behaviour in public service.
There are many places where political patronage should prove unwelcome. World finance is one such area. One wonders how long the World Bank will tolerate Wolfowitz; with Bush's Presidency coming to an end, and his resultant decline in personal influence over the next 12 months.
However, the bank’s full 24-member board, which has the authority to dismiss or reprimand him, has so far failed to reach a decision on what to do. How come?
Yesterday, Kevin Kellems quit his position as a top advisor, reportedly saying that the controversy surrounding Mr Wolfowitz made it “very difficult” for him to do his £100,000-a-year job. Kellem's appointment led to criticism, at the time, as he was hand-picked by Wolfowitz from amongst his cronies at the White House.
Of course, Wolfowitz himself was a somewhat 'surprising' choice as World Bank Chief Executive; considering that he had no relevant experience. The fact that he was the stated choice of President Bush was obviously the deciding factor. Of course, the cynical might think that this is why he has yet to be censured by the World Bank's board. It would be particularly embarrassing for President Bush to have another of his acolytes dismissed for less than honest behaviour in public service.
There are many places where political patronage should prove unwelcome. World finance is one such area. One wonders how long the World Bank will tolerate Wolfowitz; with Bush's Presidency coming to an end, and his resultant decline in personal influence over the next 12 months.
A Return to the Blog
The blog will be up and running again this evening; as long as Exeter City don't disgrace themselves, against Oxford United, in the National Conference Play-Offs this evening.
Thursday 5 April 2007
Times Get Taxing!
As the deadline for my dissertation draws ever nearer, time constraints cause me to rest my blog for a couple of weeks. Even more seriously, my current game of VG Civil War is on hold.
Other than the dissertation, I need to present the accounts for a national charity (at the annual AGM in Bristol) and start a new job. Having undertaken just a couple of temp contract jobs, to keep my hand in and earn some extra dosh for my impending visit to Shiloh, the change in culture will seem a bit of a shock after two years of having fun. At least I'll have funds for an intended visit, to the States, at the end of the year.
More seriously, since my last blog, six British soldiers have died in Basra and the 15 sailors/marines released by the Iranians. We've also had the 25th Commemoration for the start of the Falklands War. I hope things are more cheerful on my return!
Other than the dissertation, I need to present the accounts for a national charity (at the annual AGM in Bristol) and start a new job. Having undertaken just a couple of temp contract jobs, to keep my hand in and earn some extra dosh for my impending visit to Shiloh, the change in culture will seem a bit of a shock after two years of having fun. At least I'll have funds for an intended visit, to the States, at the end of the year.
More seriously, since my last blog, six British soldiers have died in Basra and the 15 sailors/marines released by the Iranians. We've also had the 25th Commemoration for the start of the Falklands War. I hope things are more cheerful on my return!
Saturday 31 March 2007
Does South Park Display American Bad Taste?
In this country, it is not an uncommon perception that the Americans can be somewhat brash and tasteless. The fact that so much American 'popular entertainment' finds it's way over here, and is consumed by a voracious British public, no doubt says much more about us.
The childish South Park is a case in point. Without wanting to advertise this pathetic bit of nonsense, the plot has the British attempting to regain control of the States. Why we should want to do this is beyond me! Surely twice was enough!!! When this diabolical plot fails, the Queen apparently commits suicide by putting a pistol in her mouth and pulling the trigger.
So, what is US Comedy Central Network trying to achieve. At a time of danger for our two countries, the cynical might see this as an attempt to create some rift between the two countries. However, if the offensive utterings from Rosie O'Donnell are beyond contempt, this most certainly is too. No doubt, it will largely be ignored - as it should - after a couple of days of outrage.
The childish South Park is a case in point. Without wanting to advertise this pathetic bit of nonsense, the plot has the British attempting to regain control of the States. Why we should want to do this is beyond me! Surely twice was enough!!! When this diabolical plot fails, the Queen apparently commits suicide by putting a pistol in her mouth and pulling the trigger.
So, what is US Comedy Central Network trying to achieve. At a time of danger for our two countries, the cynical might see this as an attempt to create some rift between the two countries. However, if the offensive utterings from Rosie O'Donnell are beyond contempt, this most certainly is too. No doubt, it will largely be ignored - as it should - after a couple of days of outrage.
Friday 30 March 2007
Britain's Standing in the World Weakened by Labour Miscalculations
As I have already written, Britain has demonstrated it's political and military weakness by failing to respond to Iranian sponsored bombings of British forces in southern Iraq, and the kidnapping of the British sailors/marines in Iraqi waters.
I had questioned the wisdom of Blair in his decision to announce that he would conduct no further negotiations with Tehran. Of course, today we hear of ... his continuing negotiations with the Iranian government. Why are we not surprised?
So, where has the Labour policy of 'muted diplomacy' got us? Yesterday, the UN Security Council failed to support British demands for the immediate release of the kidnapped Britains. A watered-down statement merely called for an "early resolution". Whilst Chiraq has voiced his support of Britain, France is refusing to consider economic sanctions against Iran.
The questions is where does this leave us? Germany, Italy and France are Iran's biggest trading partners. What is clear that our leading European partners are far more interested in their short-term economic benefits, rather than a longer-term consideration of community strategic interests. As I have written previously, Russia is fast becoming a destabilising country in the world, whereby they sponsor murders and and conduct economic warfare against those countries who refuse to follow the demands of Moscow. It is interesting that China, meanwhile, begins to show it's political maturity by distancing itself from Russian intransigence, and would have accepted greater pressure being applied upon Tehran.
Certainly events surrounding Iraq, Sudan and Iran have shown that the UN is well past it's 'sell-by date', and world security is in the hands of the big players. Only China can satisfactorily deal with North Korea, and the US with the Middle East. The UN is irrelevant, and the EU is self-serving!
Britain must decide whether it wants to reverse recent defence cuts, and help shape things for the better, or allow decisions to be taken by those who are happy to see our position relegated to that of 'puppet state' of the EU Commission. Tomorrow sees the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands Invasion. The contrast of our responses could not appear starker!!!
I had questioned the wisdom of Blair in his decision to announce that he would conduct no further negotiations with Tehran. Of course, today we hear of ... his continuing negotiations with the Iranian government. Why are we not surprised?
So, where has the Labour policy of 'muted diplomacy' got us? Yesterday, the UN Security Council failed to support British demands for the immediate release of the kidnapped Britains. A watered-down statement merely called for an "early resolution". Whilst Chiraq has voiced his support of Britain, France is refusing to consider economic sanctions against Iran.
The questions is where does this leave us? Germany, Italy and France are Iran's biggest trading partners. What is clear that our leading European partners are far more interested in their short-term economic benefits, rather than a longer-term consideration of community strategic interests. As I have written previously, Russia is fast becoming a destabilising country in the world, whereby they sponsor murders and and conduct economic warfare against those countries who refuse to follow the demands of Moscow. It is interesting that China, meanwhile, begins to show it's political maturity by distancing itself from Russian intransigence, and would have accepted greater pressure being applied upon Tehran.
Certainly events surrounding Iraq, Sudan and Iran have shown that the UN is well past it's 'sell-by date', and world security is in the hands of the big players. Only China can satisfactorily deal with North Korea, and the US with the Middle East. The UN is irrelevant, and the EU is self-serving!
Britain must decide whether it wants to reverse recent defence cuts, and help shape things for the better, or allow decisions to be taken by those who are happy to see our position relegated to that of 'puppet state' of the EU Commission. Tomorrow sees the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands Invasion. The contrast of our responses could not appear starker!!!
Thursday 29 March 2007
Adam Smith and the Duty of Government
Adam Smith, in the Wealth of Nations Book IV, maintained that government had three duties, namely:
1) Protection of it's citizens from external aggressors.
2) Protection of it's citizens from internal aggressors.
3) The provision of welfare, within society, to those in need and whom could not be supported by the free market.
The failure of the British government in refusing to allow the British Navy to defend itself is now obvious. Their inability to obtain support from the UN, and the deafening silence of the EU, makes one wonder whom we may now rely on. This evening, the government ruled out further negotiations with Tehran. Personally, I'm rather bemused as to how the Prime Minister intends to obtain the release of the 15 servicemen.
1) Protection of it's citizens from external aggressors.
2) Protection of it's citizens from internal aggressors.
3) The provision of welfare, within society, to those in need and whom could not be supported by the free market.
The failure of the British government in refusing to allow the British Navy to defend itself is now obvious. Their inability to obtain support from the UN, and the deafening silence of the EU, makes one wonder whom we may now rely on. This evening, the government ruled out further negotiations with Tehran. Personally, I'm rather bemused as to how the Prime Minister intends to obtain the release of the 15 servicemen.
Time for Action Against Iran
For all those who have considered that Iran should be believed when they tell the UN that they have no interest in developing a nuclear weapon programme, recent events should dispell such naiive thoughts. Despite clear evidence to the contrary, Iran has denied an act of international piracy in Iraqi waters and captured 15 UK sailors and marines.
The way that Blair's government has put these 15 servicemen, and servicewoman, in this position again shows blatant disregard for the lives of our sailors, soldiers and airmen. That goes without saying. As does the EU's and UN's lack of support. This shows just how irrelevent these organisations have become, in protecting the interests of it's members.
The government, having denied HMS Cornwall, and the 15 kidnapped, to defend themselves against yet another act of Iranian aggression now has an immediate duty to obtain their release and display to the Iranian government that such acts will no longer be tolerated. This includes acts of aggression against the British Army in southern Iraq. If not, the world has been told that the UK will no longer defend it's interests and can act with impunity against this country's citizens.
The way that Blair's government has put these 15 servicemen, and servicewoman, in this position again shows blatant disregard for the lives of our sailors, soldiers and airmen. That goes without saying. As does the EU's and UN's lack of support. This shows just how irrelevent these organisations have become, in protecting the interests of it's members.
The government, having denied HMS Cornwall, and the 15 kidnapped, to defend themselves against yet another act of Iranian aggression now has an immediate duty to obtain their release and display to the Iranian government that such acts will no longer be tolerated. This includes acts of aggression against the British Army in southern Iraq. If not, the world has been told that the UK will no longer defend it's interests and can act with impunity against this country's citizens.
Dissertation on VAT Regulations and Charities
Having gone through my recent move up north, my blogging has been somewhat curtailed by work on my Masters dissertation.
Yesterday, I found out that I had passed all my assignments and exams, which leaves just the completion of the dissertation. The date for completion is 30th April, and I think I am now looking forward to the next stage of life; in particular a trip to Philadelphia and Shiloh in June, and hopefully Virginia and Gettysburg in September.
Anyway, back to work ...
Yesterday, I found out that I had passed all my assignments and exams, which leaves just the completion of the dissertation. The date for completion is 30th April, and I think I am now looking forward to the next stage of life; in particular a trip to Philadelphia and Shiloh in June, and hopefully Virginia and Gettysburg in September.
Anyway, back to work ...
Thursday 22 February 2007
RM Jonathan Holland
The total number of serving British servicemen killed in Afghanistan, since 2001, has now risen to 48.
Yesterday, Royal Marine Jonathan Holland, of 45 Commando, was killed by a mine strike in the extremely unsafe Sangin Valley (Helmand Province). Today, a so-far un-named Royal Marine, from 42 Commando, died of wounds sustained on convoy duty at the beginning of the month.
Our thoughts should go out to their friends and family, at their time of grief, as should our gratitude.
Lest we forget!
Yesterday, Royal Marine Jonathan Holland, of 45 Commando, was killed by a mine strike in the extremely unsafe Sangin Valley (Helmand Province). Today, a so-far un-named Royal Marine, from 42 Commando, died of wounds sustained on convoy duty at the beginning of the month.
Our thoughts should go out to their friends and family, at their time of grief, as should our gratitude.
Lest we forget!
Wednesday 21 February 2007
Prince Harry to Iraq?
The Royal Family tend to get a pretty bad press in this country. However, unlike Tony Blair's eldest son, who has recently spent some fun time in the States working as 'a political intern', both Prince William and Prince Harry have gone through officer training at Sandhurst.
Now it looks like that Prince Harry will be accompanying his cavalry Regiment to Basra. If Prince Harry does accompany "A" Squadron, with the Blues and Royals, then he'll be closely following in his Uncle's footsteps who served in the Falklands.
His great-grandfather, the future King George VI, saw action during World War One, and his grandfather Prince George Duke of Kent died on active service, with the RAF, in 1942.
However, despite the 'minor' royals serving during times of conflict, long gone are the days when the reigning monarch took to the field. The last to do so was George II, who took command against the French at Dettingen in 1743. The Blues and Royals were actually present at this victory during the War of the Austrian Succession. As such, it would be highly unlikely that Prince William, as a future monarch, will be sent anywhere near the war zone.
Now it looks like that Prince Harry will be accompanying his cavalry Regiment to Basra. If Prince Harry does accompany "A" Squadron, with the Blues and Royals, then he'll be closely following in his Uncle's footsteps who served in the Falklands.
His great-grandfather, the future King George VI, saw action during World War One, and his grandfather Prince George Duke of Kent died on active service, with the RAF, in 1942.
However, despite the 'minor' royals serving during times of conflict, long gone are the days when the reigning monarch took to the field. The last to do so was George II, who took command against the French at Dettingen in 1743. The Blues and Royals were actually present at this victory during the War of the Austrian Succession. As such, it would be highly unlikely that Prince William, as a future monarch, will be sent anywhere near the war zone.
Tuesday 20 February 2007
The Peasants are Revolting!!!
AD1381, and the peasants of England were getting a bit upset with their rulers. In the Essex village of Fobbing, they were so upset that they forcibly evicted the visiting tax collector. So started the Peasants Revolt.
Fast forward to today. An on-line petition, on the government's own web site, had over 1.6 million signatories rejecting the notion of even greater 'stealth taxes' intended for the motorist. Notably, that of charging the driver to use public roads. The Prime Minister has already made it clear that he will ignore the call from a sizeable proportion of the country, for no such tax, and that he will enforce any damn tax he choses to foist upon us.
Back to 1381 again. The taxes that had caused so much contention, went to the funding of the continuing war against the French. This might have gained some sympathy then, and probably would now, but the problem was that this particular tax was regressive in nature. The authorities had deemed it fair that the highest in the land should pay the same as the lowest. One shilling!
Any road charging, that this government intends to introduce, will mean that the richest can continue to travel with little meaningful inconvenience, whilst us mere peasants will have our travels restricted by the grasping minions of New Labour. We will all pay the same, despite income or need.
Once again, as I have written before, this government fails to learn the lessons of history. Those revolting peasants murdered the three establishment figures considered most culpable; Simon Sudbury, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Robert Hales (the King's Treasurer).
Now, I'm not advocating that we all descend on London and 'top' the Prime Minister and Chancellor in a fit of pique. But what is clear, from the ICM poll today, is that Gordon Brown's reign will be a short one indeed! No doubt, both Blair and Brown will be calling us, the plaebian electorate, revolting.
Fast forward to today. An on-line petition, on the government's own web site, had over 1.6 million signatories rejecting the notion of even greater 'stealth taxes' intended for the motorist. Notably, that of charging the driver to use public roads. The Prime Minister has already made it clear that he will ignore the call from a sizeable proportion of the country, for no such tax, and that he will enforce any damn tax he choses to foist upon us.
Back to 1381 again. The taxes that had caused so much contention, went to the funding of the continuing war against the French. This might have gained some sympathy then, and probably would now, but the problem was that this particular tax was regressive in nature. The authorities had deemed it fair that the highest in the land should pay the same as the lowest. One shilling!
Any road charging, that this government intends to introduce, will mean that the richest can continue to travel with little meaningful inconvenience, whilst us mere peasants will have our travels restricted by the grasping minions of New Labour. We will all pay the same, despite income or need.
Once again, as I have written before, this government fails to learn the lessons of history. Those revolting peasants murdered the three establishment figures considered most culpable; Simon Sudbury, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Robert Hales (the King's Treasurer).
Now, I'm not advocating that we all descend on London and 'top' the Prime Minister and Chancellor in a fit of pique. But what is clear, from the ICM poll today, is that Gordon Brown's reign will be a short one indeed! No doubt, both Blair and Brown will be calling us, the plaebian electorate, revolting.
Still No Justice for Military Policemen
Despite the speed in which the current British government attempts to prosecute British soldiers for any unfounded allegations made in Iraq, it seems that this approach does not extend to those who murder our servicemen.
It seems a long time ago that we heard of the murders of Sgt Simon Hamilton-Jewell, Cpl Russell Aston, Cpl Paul Long, Cpl Simon Miller, L/Cpl Benjamin Hyde, and L/Cpl Tom Keys. These serving military policemen were killed in June 2003, after a mob of 400 Iraqis surrounded, and stormed, an unprotected police station at Majar al-Kabir.
The fact that the MoD failed to adequately arm and support these soldiers is deplorable in itself. However, the failure of Tony Blair to keep a promise to the families, that the perpetrators would be brought to justice, is even less forgiveable. This despite Geoff Hoon, the then Defence Secretary, having told the families that "we have the names of those responsible". There can be no excuses, and this government must realise where it's priorities lie.
It seems a long time ago that we heard of the murders of Sgt Simon Hamilton-Jewell, Cpl Russell Aston, Cpl Paul Long, Cpl Simon Miller, L/Cpl Benjamin Hyde, and L/Cpl Tom Keys. These serving military policemen were killed in June 2003, after a mob of 400 Iraqis surrounded, and stormed, an unprotected police station at Majar al-Kabir.
The fact that the MoD failed to adequately arm and support these soldiers is deplorable in itself. However, the failure of Tony Blair to keep a promise to the families, that the perpetrators would be brought to justice, is even less forgiveable. This despite Geoff Hoon, the then Defence Secretary, having told the families that "we have the names of those responsible". There can be no excuses, and this government must realise where it's priorities lie.
Working Lunch Should Stick to Finance and Consumer Affairs
One of the big fallacies is that the first Viking raid, in England, was at the monastery of Lindisfarne. It doesn't help when the leading daily finance and consumer programme, on the BBC, helps to maintain such myths. I personally love 'Working Lunch', and is one of the few programmes on the BBC (Bloated Broadcasting Corporation) worth watching. Still, the subject of the BBC and 'stealth taxes' should be left for another day. However, 'Working Lunch' got it wrong yesterday.
Lindisfarne was attacked, and destroyed, in 793AD. This would make it the second known raid, as my home island of Portland was attacked some five years previous to this. The actual year is not known, although a span of four years is widely accepted, but what is known is that the King of Wessex's Reeve was killed in the attack at Church Ope.
The Reeve was a particularly important man in Saxon society, and was the King's representative in the community. In particular, the Reeve performed the function of judge in court cases, as well as over-seeing parish council meetings, etc.
Lindisfarne was attacked, and destroyed, in 793AD. This would make it the second known raid, as my home island of Portland was attacked some five years previous to this. The actual year is not known, although a span of four years is widely accepted, but what is known is that the King of Wessex's Reeve was killed in the attack at Church Ope.
The Reeve was a particularly important man in Saxon society, and was the King's representative in the community. In particular, the Reeve performed the function of judge in court cases, as well as over-seeing parish council meetings, etc.
Monday 19 February 2007
The End of the Line
Our current government has a lot to answer for. One of those things is the way that they have trampled on our traditions. Whilst we have been settling into our new home, one of the events that didn't pass me by was the disbandment of a number of regiments; including the one from my own county.
In the name of rationalisation, the government chose to merge the Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry, the Royal Gloucestershire Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry, the Light Infantry, and the Royal Green Jackets. This new regiment will simply be called 'The Rifles'.
The original Rifles were a number of regiments that combined both Light Infantry and Rifle Regiments. These regiments were established, by General Sir John Moore (1761-1809), at Shorncliffe in the early 1800s. Whatever the government, and Ministry of Defence might say, the current regiment has no relationship to the original concept, and is merely an exrcise in cost cutting.
For 'The Dorsets', this is a particularly a sad time. This fine regiment dated back to 1689, as the 39th Regiment of Foot. Battle honours included Plassey, Gibraltar, Albuhera, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, Orthes, Maharajpore and Sevastopol. In 1881 they were combined with the 54th Regiment of Foot where they saw action in South Africa during the Boer War, and in all theatres of the war during the 1st and 2nd World Wars. They were merged with the Devonshire Regiment in 1958, and were to suffer the first British Army mortality in Northern Ireland at the beginning of the 1970s.
So, a sad ending for the regiment that was 'Primus in Indis'!
In the name of rationalisation, the government chose to merge the Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry, the Royal Gloucestershire Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry, the Light Infantry, and the Royal Green Jackets. This new regiment will simply be called 'The Rifles'.
The original Rifles were a number of regiments that combined both Light Infantry and Rifle Regiments. These regiments were established, by General Sir John Moore (1761-1809), at Shorncliffe in the early 1800s. Whatever the government, and Ministry of Defence might say, the current regiment has no relationship to the original concept, and is merely an exrcise in cost cutting.
For 'The Dorsets', this is a particularly a sad time. This fine regiment dated back to 1689, as the 39th Regiment of Foot. Battle honours included Plassey, Gibraltar, Albuhera, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, Orthes, Maharajpore and Sevastopol. In 1881 they were combined with the 54th Regiment of Foot where they saw action in South Africa during the Boer War, and in all theatres of the war during the 1st and 2nd World Wars. They were merged with the Devonshire Regiment in 1958, and were to suffer the first British Army mortality in Northern Ireland at the beginning of the 1970s.
So, a sad ending for the regiment that was 'Primus in Indis'!
Thursday 1 February 2007
Captain Calthrop and the Art of War
Captain Calthrop is probably best known for the rather poor translation of Sun Tzu’s ‘Art of War’ in 1905, and subsequently revised in 1908. Whilst the Giles translation has become the standard text, Calthrop’s was the first. For that, we should be grateful.
Having become a little annoyed with all the criticisms of Calthrop, I wanted to find out more about him. To be honest, there doesn’t seem much to find. Everard Ferguson Calthrop served in the Royal Field Artillery (R.F.A.), during the Boer War, and then worked for the Foreign Service in Japan.
Calthrop’s translation of the ‘Art of War’ was written whilst he was in Japan, and was also to provide translations on Japanese military reports of the Russo-Japanese War for the Royal United Services Institute.
However, during the Great War, as Lieutenant-Colonel he was officer commanding of the 38th Brigade Royal Field Artillery (R.F.A.). He was killed in action at Ypres on 19th December 1915, and is laid to rest at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery.
Having become a little annoyed with all the criticisms of Calthrop, I wanted to find out more about him. To be honest, there doesn’t seem much to find. Everard Ferguson Calthrop served in the Royal Field Artillery (R.F.A.), during the Boer War, and then worked for the Foreign Service in Japan.
Calthrop’s translation of the ‘Art of War’ was written whilst he was in Japan, and was also to provide translations on Japanese military reports of the Russo-Japanese War for the Royal United Services Institute.
However, during the Great War, as Lieutenant-Colonel he was officer commanding of the 38th Brigade Royal Field Artillery (R.F.A.). He was killed in action at Ypres on 19th December 1915, and is laid to rest at Ypres Reservoir Cemetery.
Regionalisation and the The Anglo-Saxon Heptarchy
As the government continues in its attempt to push through their plans for Regional Assemblies, within England, they attempt to suggest that this is a return to some previous system of political representation. This is of course absurd, and demonstrates a distinct lack of historical nowledge.
By the time of the Roman invasion, Celtic Britain had reached the third stage of Adam Smith’s four stages of economic development; farming. Although the Celts, in Albion at least, had past the stages of hunting and pasturage, they had yet to develop the concepts of commerce. Ostensibly, Albion was a land settled by tribes, and would have had no concept of a greater community. After the Romans left Britannia, an agrarian society was subject to invasions by an assortment of Angles, Saxons, and Jutes from approximately 450A.D.
These newly colonised ‘regions’ were to form an Anglo-Saxon Heptarchy; independent kingdoms namely Cornwall, East Anglia, Kent, Mercia, Northumbria, Sussex and Wessex. To further confuse issues, Angleland’s western kingdom of Cornwall was to remain predominantly Celtic in nature, whilst the eastern side of the country was to absorb Norsemen from a number of Scandinavian kingdoms.
The last successful invasion of Angleland by the Normans in 1066, and subsequent conquest and subjugation of the Anglo-Saxon peoples, saw the historic seats of power subjugated to an ever-increasing centralisation of power. So, when the government talks about returning power to the regions I ask myself, what the hell are they talking about.
By the time of the Roman invasion, Celtic Britain had reached the third stage of Adam Smith’s four stages of economic development; farming. Although the Celts, in Albion at least, had past the stages of hunting and pasturage, they had yet to develop the concepts of commerce. Ostensibly, Albion was a land settled by tribes, and would have had no concept of a greater community. After the Romans left Britannia, an agrarian society was subject to invasions by an assortment of Angles, Saxons, and Jutes from approximately 450A.D.
These newly colonised ‘regions’ were to form an Anglo-Saxon Heptarchy; independent kingdoms namely Cornwall, East Anglia, Kent, Mercia, Northumbria, Sussex and Wessex. To further confuse issues, Angleland’s western kingdom of Cornwall was to remain predominantly Celtic in nature, whilst the eastern side of the country was to absorb Norsemen from a number of Scandinavian kingdoms.
The last successful invasion of Angleland by the Normans in 1066, and subsequent conquest and subjugation of the Anglo-Saxon peoples, saw the historic seats of power subjugated to an ever-increasing centralisation of power. So, when the government talks about returning power to the regions I ask myself, what the hell are they talking about.
Military Strength v The Will to Win
It is reasonable to assume that, in general terms, the country with greatest resources will invariably win a protracted war. The American Civil War instantly springs to mind whereby Federal resources, in conjunction with an ability to deprive the Confederacy of theirs, ensured an eventual win.
In cases whereby the sides were pretty much even, although resources may have not been, attrition is very much the name of the game. During the Napoleonic Wars, Britain was able to maintain trading links around the world. Despite the uneven resources in manpower, British economic might and geographical position allowed the continued ‘bank rolling’ of the war until the French war effort eventually collapsed.
However, sometimes it is necessary to set aside logic and wonder where things went wrong. During the American Revolution, Great Britain appeared to have all the things going for it. Wealth, manpower and support from a sizeable proportion of the population. But this brings in another factor; which sees the biggest side losing against all the odds. That of the ‘will to win’. There are times when the lesser power demonstrates that it refuses to be beaten, and that the larger protagonist decides continuation is not worth the cost.
During the American Revolution, such a time came during the winter of 1777 at Valley Forge. Despite, numerous losses in battle, from the cold, and from disease, an Army that should have simply ceased to exist was, by the summer of 1778, one to reckon with. I would argue that the Continental Army, in itself, was never particularly effective. But that is for another day. What is important is that a continued existence sent out a statement to the British government; “You can’t make us go away, and we’re not going to do so!”
The Americans were to find this out during the North Vietnamese Thet Offensive, in April 1968. Although the Thet Offensive was a military failure for the North Vietnamese, it sent a message to the American public. The same one sent to the British, some 200 years previously. “You can’t make us go away, and we’re not going to do so!”
Unfortunately, Allied Forces have now encountered the same problem in Iraq. Countries such as Spain and Italy had already made the decision that costs were too high. Now it appears that the United States has once again reached the same conclusion, that the costs are just not worth it, and is beginning to initiate the process of withdrawal.
In cases whereby the sides were pretty much even, although resources may have not been, attrition is very much the name of the game. During the Napoleonic Wars, Britain was able to maintain trading links around the world. Despite the uneven resources in manpower, British economic might and geographical position allowed the continued ‘bank rolling’ of the war until the French war effort eventually collapsed.
However, sometimes it is necessary to set aside logic and wonder where things went wrong. During the American Revolution, Great Britain appeared to have all the things going for it. Wealth, manpower and support from a sizeable proportion of the population. But this brings in another factor; which sees the biggest side losing against all the odds. That of the ‘will to win’. There are times when the lesser power demonstrates that it refuses to be beaten, and that the larger protagonist decides continuation is not worth the cost.
During the American Revolution, such a time came during the winter of 1777 at Valley Forge. Despite, numerous losses in battle, from the cold, and from disease, an Army that should have simply ceased to exist was, by the summer of 1778, one to reckon with. I would argue that the Continental Army, in itself, was never particularly effective. But that is for another day. What is important is that a continued existence sent out a statement to the British government; “You can’t make us go away, and we’re not going to do so!”
The Americans were to find this out during the North Vietnamese Thet Offensive, in April 1968. Although the Thet Offensive was a military failure for the North Vietnamese, it sent a message to the American public. The same one sent to the British, some 200 years previously. “You can’t make us go away, and we’re not going to do so!”
Unfortunately, Allied Forces have now encountered the same problem in Iraq. Countries such as Spain and Italy had already made the decision that costs were too high. Now it appears that the United States has once again reached the same conclusion, that the costs are just not worth it, and is beginning to initiate the process of withdrawal.
King Weiwang and the Implementation of Tax
Yesterday, I mentioned King Weiwang and his relationship with one of my favourite philosophers; Zhuang Zi. I thought I might mention King Weiwang again, whilst the subject was still fresh in my mind, and because he is of interest to me for several reasons.
King Weiwang was part of the Zhou dynasty, and reputedly ruled from 378-343 B.C in what is now Shandong Province. He is of interest to me because of his part in the Warring States Period, whereby the Warring States supposedly saw innovations in the fields of commerce, agriculture, and iron-working. It is interesting to see how often developments are achieved in time of war, despite the disruption that societies are forced to deal with.
King Weiwang’s particular contribution to the aforementioned developments was the overseeing of complimentary reforms in the tax system and the military. This, of course, is not without parallel in the western world. William Pitt ‘The Younger’ introduced fundamental tax reform by levying Income Tax to fund the war against France and her allies. Abraham Lincoln did likewise to help fund the United States in their struggles against the Confederacy. King Weiwang just happened to do it some 2,150 years earlier!
King Weiwang was part of the Zhou dynasty, and reputedly ruled from 378-343 B.C in what is now Shandong Province. He is of interest to me because of his part in the Warring States Period, whereby the Warring States supposedly saw innovations in the fields of commerce, agriculture, and iron-working. It is interesting to see how often developments are achieved in time of war, despite the disruption that societies are forced to deal with.
King Weiwang’s particular contribution to the aforementioned developments was the overseeing of complimentary reforms in the tax system and the military. This, of course, is not without parallel in the western world. William Pitt ‘The Younger’ introduced fundamental tax reform by levying Income Tax to fund the war against France and her allies. Abraham Lincoln did likewise to help fund the United States in their struggles against the Confederacy. King Weiwang just happened to do it some 2,150 years earlier!
Up and Running
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