tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40295254185109028522012-02-17T09:58:42.649ZDedicated to the discussion of matters historical, and current issues of a mostly military and political nature.Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.comBlogger641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-33286583869766896192008-03-16T21:27:00.002Z2008-03-16T21:29:51.023Z

Due to unremitting work commitments, I've decided to call it a day. This will, hopefully, allow me a little more time to follow my other interests which I've neglected for a while.Anyway, goodbye!

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-22406264137250722092008-03-13T19:55:00.002Z2008-03-13T20:09:35.710Z

The persecution of Christian and Jewish communities in the Islamic world reached a new level of hatred with the murder of Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho.Archbishop Rahho was a Chaldean Christian; kidnapped after delivering mass in Mosul on 29th February 2008.Silence, on this subject, is deafening from the British and American media outlets. One wonders why the media shies away from such acts of

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-91024193664366357142008-03-12T13:43:00.004Z2008-03-12T14:17:07.812Z

At last, Tory leader David Cameron stood up for Conservative principles and destroyed Darling's Labour budget in 15 minutes of well directed salvos.Lady Thatcher must have laughed when Cameron, who has done so much to distance himself from her policies, explained to the Labour MPs that expenditure should not be in excess of income. The fact that government borrowing is nearing £200 billion should

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-50142162536646962042008-03-10T19:49:00.002Z2008-03-10T20:08:27.331Z

Princeton and Harvard University 'old boy' Eliot Spitzer has once again shown how politicians exercise hypocrisy and hubris. However, the extreme arrogance, as shown by Spitzer, demonstrates that it is always the most self-righteous that exercise the worst judgement.So, if he has changed the ethics of Albany, then it was not for the better. Certainly, the $4,300 spent in his Mayflower romp now

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-19555685698286584712008-03-03T20:17:00.003Z2008-03-03T20:38:54.232Z

"Una quinta columna" was a phrase first 'coined' by General Emilio Mola in 1936 when describing fascist sympathisers in Madrid. The subversive group worked against Republican authorities from within, and then joined the four columns of besieging Franco forces when Madrid came under attack.Whilst Franco understood the importance of a fifth column when attempting to subvert, and then overthrow, the

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-64088588894010750502008-02-19T20:32:00.002Z2008-02-19T20:54:03.871Z

One of the many errors that former President Clinton made was to allow the Germas to 'bounce' NATO into recognising Slovenian and Croatian independence. Unfortunately, President Bush has failed to learn the lesson, and has repeated the stupidity, as stupidity is what it is.Clinton failed to recognise the hundreds of years of mutual hatred in the Balkans, between Serb, Slav, and Muslim. More

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-18679585203118211962008-01-29T23:13:00.000Z2008-01-29T23:41:56.355Z

Well, tonight we see the Floriday Primary count that goes a long way to deciding the Republican nominee.With the Liberal media and Conservative idealogues, in an unholy alliance, having spun Guiliani out of contention (so much for gratitude when it comes to his achievements in what was a crime ridden and terrorist targetted city); it now seems to have come down to three realistic

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-56861866645431103962008-01-29T03:49:00.000Z2008-01-29T04:04:50.369Z

Having been disappointed with the lack of policies espoused by Obama, it was with shock to see that he received the endorsement of Senator Edward Kennedy yesterday. Why Obama would want Kennedy's endorsement is beyond me. However, it is to the credit of the American people that Kennedy has remained on the periphery of US politics. This despite his family name.Notwithstanding Kennedy's support

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-55669197726564091702008-01-28T03:18:00.000Z2008-01-28T03:44:22.974Z

I've just completed reading Tim Goodwin's excellent book 'Dorset in the Civil War 1625-1665'. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the Civil War, at more than a superficial level, as Dorset proved to be a county whose control mirrored the War in general. Indeed, Portland was the penultimate garrison to surrender in the west country; a mere week before Exeter and just nine before

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-86835560905313755212008-01-20T17:54:00.000Z2008-01-20T18:12:57.097Z

A Government that is desperate to introduce ID cards has once again demonstrated it's inability to protect UK identities. This is despite the patronising advertisments advising UK citizens on their reponsibilities in destroying personal documentation, etc.The latest case involved a laptop computer being stolen from a Royal Navy officer in Birmingham last week. Despite the loss being taking place

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-42741098353698515842008-01-07T21:25:00.000Z2008-01-07T21:59:17.559Z

US Democrats and left-leaning Independents have demonstrated that, in their opinion, the singer is more important than the song. In this country, Blair had managed to win an election and retain power for an eternity with nothing little more than platitutudes and pandering to the left when necessary. Tory, David Cameron has been adopting the same approach, with similar appeals to the suburban

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-71661943575821821022007-12-31T07:59:00.000Z2007-12-31T08:13:20.082Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-91891583222474434382007-12-23T22:35:00.000Z2007-12-23T23:26:19.398Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-77223061518121525082007-12-18T21:07:00.000Z2007-12-18T21:32:56.953Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-59795755177484982022007-12-17T19:48:00.000Z2007-12-17T20:27:38.180Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-68194019146354554832007-12-16T20:42:00.000Z2007-12-16T21:02:36.582Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-63342041852944720172007-10-03T18:17:00.000Z2007-10-03T18:44:22.589Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-23375536561063204432007-10-01T18:25:00.000Z2007-10-01T18:57:47.759Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-77640336510444942022007-09-26T17:52:00.000Z2007-09-26T17:55:22.680Z

I'm intending to make a few more changes to the format and design of this blog. Posting renewed on Saturday ...

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-17928256083112419032007-08-29T19:20:00.000Z2007-08-29T19:35:22.141Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-21965595927012742922007-08-28T20:51:00.000Z2007-08-28T21:23:43.692Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-63346843128948440192007-08-14T18:09:00.000Z2007-08-14T18:44:40.243Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-77424582652408083362007-08-13T20:30:00.000Z2007-08-13T20:56:57.808Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-59563378561576746642007-08-09T19:23:00.000Z2007-08-09T19:47:20.223Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-71765253820845555582007-08-07T18:45:00.000Z2007-08-07T18:56:12.797Z

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 "

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-10505693954775837792007-08-03T06:08:00.000Z2007-08-03T06:25:47.027Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-45226130384273073302007-08-02T18:35:00.000Z2007-08-03T06:27:40.527Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-45355504732266232172007-07-31T18:45:00.000Z2007-07-31T19:07:19.303Z

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,

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-68470212720439090802007-07-20T07:43:00.000Z2007-07-20T08:16:47.357Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-76945648400460585072007-07-19T19:59:00.000Z2007-07-19T20:12:21.833Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-16169067328283030402007-07-09T14:10:00.000Z2007-07-09T14:14:25.988Z

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 ...

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-73424205981790219982007-06-20T17:48:00.000Z2007-06-20T18:07:24.463Z

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%

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-3568107026949224552007-06-19T18:52:00.000Z2007-06-19T19:03:38.264Z

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,

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-12516990927331379562007-06-15T19:49:00.000Z2007-06-15T20:11:34.108Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-14194219970253816182007-06-14T20:12:00.000Z2007-06-14T20:26:59.560Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-80262828037872467632007-06-14T19:22:00.000Z2007-06-14T20:27:40.985Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-37323021247335772792007-05-24T05:14:00.000Z2007-05-24T05:27:36.623Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-62269174164874850632007-05-23T04:21:00.000Z2007-05-23T04:33:42.523Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-17455010938559301752007-05-22T07:09:00.000Z2007-05-22T07:32:54.965Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-45988250355354528082007-05-17T17:45:00.000Z2007-05-17T18:01:20.916Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-32668271319966785782007-05-16T19:33:00.000Z2007-05-16T22:21:55.604Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-56912173995441724522007-05-14T21:16:00.000Z2007-05-14T21:37:22.277Z

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,

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-53145185974206445862007-05-12T06:38:00.000Z2007-05-12T06:56:13.577Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-44451934728167475132007-05-10T22:00:00.000Z2007-05-10T22:21:59.959Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-29560695640949902872007-05-08T21:47:00.000Z2007-05-08T21:56:12.442Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-5267132193404064532007-05-08T19:32:00.000Z2007-05-08T20:09:40.707Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-895330978810534892007-05-08T06:18:00.000Z2007-05-08T06:21:50.106Z

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.

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-12843589947777226992007-04-05T18:06:00.000Z2007-04-05T18:18:24.744Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-57327664633617553512007-03-31T00:26:00.000Z2007-03-31T00:38:57.294Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-11158519019575013872007-03-30T09:00:00.000Z2007-03-30T09:38:57.941Z

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 ...

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-9295471296389262412007-03-29T22:50:00.000Z2007-03-29T23:07:33.852Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-73698834010478451912007-03-29T09:22:00.000Z2007-03-29T09:38:24.284Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-30382402803670923422007-03-29T01:42:00.000Z2007-03-29T01:50:53.595Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-41856361267245767792007-02-22T19:55:00.000Z2007-02-22T20:07:41.560Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-18504639003298731502007-02-21T23:56:00.000Z2007-02-22T00:26:41.587Z

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"

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-75836324944217411452007-02-20T23:52:00.000Z2007-02-21T00:31:34.230Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-10589031808391248432007-02-20T06:31:00.000Z2007-02-20T06:50:51.286Z

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.

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-89845537122419574142007-02-20T03:39:00.000Z2007-02-20T04:05:56.862Z

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'

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-33768940070851678762007-02-19T09:52:00.000Z2007-02-19T10:22:25.632Z

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,

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-68613981192881050772007-02-01T12:45:00.000Z2007-02-01T12:46:45.847Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-49871068781078415512007-02-01T11:21:00.000Z2007-02-01T12:44:10.732Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-35429601436601710712007-02-01T11:18:00.000Z2007-02-01T11:20:50.091Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-34334277789407603172007-02-01T11:15:00.000Z2007-02-01T11:17:25.498Z

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

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4029525418510902852.post-87858105518329852552007-02-01T10:53:00.000Z2007-02-01T10:56:04.391Z

Just a warm welcome to those who have been redirected from my previous site, or have just found my 'blog' for the first time.

Mark Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16720812438145371177noreply@blogger.com2