In May, there will be a referendum on the Alternative Vote system for picking Members of Parliament at the next election in 2015. This was the price the Liberal Democrats required to join a Coalition government with the Conservatives. Conservatives are virtually unanimously in favor of a NO vote, LibDems (of course) for a YES vote.
Today 114 of 253 Labour MPs are publicly supporting No on AV. Leading the campaign will be William Hague, John Prescott, Ken Clarke, Margaret Beckett, David Blunkett, Baroness Warsi, John Reid, and Lord Falconer. The big GMB union is also pleading substantial funding for the NO campaign.
If the voters of England can be coaxed out to vote, AV CAN be defeated! I wonder what the LibDems will do then . .
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Cuts and Thugs
The so-called student demonstations against the UK Coalition government's changes to Higher Education funding were doubtless only the first of many, as the public sector union bosses have promised others next year. This is all quite predictable, although the police must adopt a priori a more active and forceful policy toward controlling them. Banning marches in built up areas of London would be a good first step. Representative democracy must ALWAYS prevail over Leftist violence in the streets.
As a Conservative, the partial demise of the Lib Dems at the next Parliamentary election in 2015 would just be an added bonus! The coalition has been - and will doubtless continue to be - very useful to the Conservative Party after just failing to win a majority in 2010, but gaining that majority in 2015 and governing alone must be the ultimate aim. The defeat of the Alternative Voting system in next May's referendum will be a very good start. The reduction in the size of the House of Commons to 600 and the redrawing of all the Constituency boundaries before 2015 should considerably benefit the Conservatives, so gaining a healthy majority should be well within reach - especially if the economny has recovered well by then. But between now and then, there are interesting times ahead.
As a Conservative, the partial demise of the Lib Dems at the next Parliamentary election in 2015 would just be an added bonus! The coalition has been - and will doubtless continue to be - very useful to the Conservative Party after just failing to win a majority in 2010, but gaining that majority in 2015 and governing alone must be the ultimate aim. The defeat of the Alternative Voting system in next May's referendum will be a very good start. The reduction in the size of the House of Commons to 600 and the redrawing of all the Constituency boundaries before 2015 should considerably benefit the Conservatives, so gaining a healthy majority should be well within reach - especially if the economny has recovered well by then. But between now and then, there are interesting times ahead.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Eventual end of Gerrymandering?
California has just passed a ballot initiative to create a nonpartisan commission to do the redistricting of House of Representatives seats as a result of the 2010 Census. I believe Florida has a similar commission.
The GOP did very, VERY well in Gubernatorial and State Legislative elections on November 2nd and so will have control of the redistricting process in many important States. This will doubtless result in more GOP-friendly seats being created for the 2012-2020 elections than would be the case if Democrats controlled the process in more States. As a partisan matter, I can hardly complain about this. It's been the Spoils of [political] War since the beginning of the Republic. But I believe it's wrong!
In the United Kingdom, the nonpartisan Boundaries Commission is in charge of changing House of Commons constituency boundaries. This is particularly important in the lead up to the next Parliamentary elections in May 2015, because the number of seats is going to be reduced from 650 to 600 and - with only a couple of extreme geographically dictated exceptions - every seat will have to have within 5% as many people on the electoral roll as every other seat. Imagine if the Coalition Government were in charge of this or a Committee of the House of Commons. It would result in endless squabbles between and within the Parties and bring Parliament into disrepute - again!
I believe every State in the U.S. should adopt a nonpartisan means of setting House seat boundaries before the 2020 Census requires this process to happen the next time. The people will thank them for it, and a major cyclical cause of time wasting conflict in State governments all across the country will be removed forever.
The GOP did very, VERY well in Gubernatorial and State Legislative elections on November 2nd and so will have control of the redistricting process in many important States. This will doubtless result in more GOP-friendly seats being created for the 2012-2020 elections than would be the case if Democrats controlled the process in more States. As a partisan matter, I can hardly complain about this. It's been the Spoils of [political] War since the beginning of the Republic. But I believe it's wrong!
In the United Kingdom, the nonpartisan Boundaries Commission is in charge of changing House of Commons constituency boundaries. This is particularly important in the lead up to the next Parliamentary elections in May 2015, because the number of seats is going to be reduced from 650 to 600 and - with only a couple of extreme geographically dictated exceptions - every seat will have to have within 5% as many people on the electoral roll as every other seat. Imagine if the Coalition Government were in charge of this or a Committee of the House of Commons. It would result in endless squabbles between and within the Parties and bring Parliament into disrepute - again!
I believe every State in the U.S. should adopt a nonpartisan means of setting House seat boundaries before the 2020 Census requires this process to happen the next time. The people will thank them for it, and a major cyclical cause of time wasting conflict in State governments all across the country will be removed forever.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Job half done
The U.S. Midterm elections saw a series of Republican victories at Senate, House, Governor, and State Legislature levels. It will make a substantial difference in a number of ways (eg. GOP controlled House will pass a whole new brand of spending bills, Republicans redrawing Congressional District boundaries at State level to their advantage, Senate having solid fillibuster-proof 47 GOP seats), but while it's a big step it's only the first step.
If they stay on message and keep it simple, and if the contest for their Presidential nomination honors Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment (Thou Shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican) more than might be expected in what will surely be a vigorous and competitive contest, Republicans can take control of the Senate in 2012 (23 Democrat seats up) and make Barack Obama a one term President. The latter possibility is fraught with obstacles, and the chances of the most likely candidate to defeat the President being the actual choice is far from certain (these elections showed that Tea Party associated candidates were judged like all other candidates and some were stronger than others). But only with a Republican President and Congress after 2012 can the legislation of 2009-10 be repealed and new and better laws be passed and signed.
Most importantly there must be no triumphalism - which is not yet justified, if it ever is! - and not a moment spent in navel gazing or clashes of egos. The next two years up to and including election day 2012 are amongst the most important in America's history. The nation requires and deserves the best the GOP has to offer. If they continue to listion to the People and act accordingly - with fortitude but humility - it will culminate in a glorious day in November 2012 and in the years thereafter.
But there's a looooong way to go.
If they stay on message and keep it simple, and if the contest for their Presidential nomination honors Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment (Thou Shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican) more than might be expected in what will surely be a vigorous and competitive contest, Republicans can take control of the Senate in 2012 (23 Democrat seats up) and make Barack Obama a one term President. The latter possibility is fraught with obstacles, and the chances of the most likely candidate to defeat the President being the actual choice is far from certain (these elections showed that Tea Party associated candidates were judged like all other candidates and some were stronger than others). But only with a Republican President and Congress after 2012 can the legislation of 2009-10 be repealed and new and better laws be passed and signed.
Most importantly there must be no triumphalism - which is not yet justified, if it ever is! - and not a moment spent in navel gazing or clashes of egos. The next two years up to and including election day 2012 are amongst the most important in America's history. The nation requires and deserves the best the GOP has to offer. If they continue to listion to the People and act accordingly - with fortitude but humility - it will culminate in a glorious day in November 2012 and in the years thereafter.
But there's a looooong way to go.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Go Giants!
The San Francisco Giants are current 2 games to none up in the World Series! I sure didn't see that coming - even the Giants being in post-season was a big surprise for the great majority of the season.
I'm going to watch the 49ers - Broncos game at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Think of the San Francisco fans who decided months ago to come over for the game and now probably wish they could be at home enjoying the World Series and the atmosphere in the Bay Area, which must be amazing.
I'm going to watch the 49ers - Broncos game at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Think of the San Francisco fans who decided months ago to come over for the game and now probably wish they could be at home enjoying the World Series and the atmosphere in the Bay Area, which must be amazing.
HMS Tartar
I've been meaning to blog about the weekend we recently spent in Bournemouth at the annual meeting of the MHS Tartar Association. This is the ship that my Father-in-law served on in 1941-42 in the North Atlantic. It was decommissioned and broken up in 1948, but a new ship with the same name was launched afew years later. My FiL was the only representative of the earlier ship there, the others being from the later incarnation of the Tartar; but he (and his daughter and I) had a great time and were made to feel very welcome. We've already decided to go again next year in Scarborough.
It was also my first real visit to Bournemouth, and I definitely feel it's a place to come back to for a couple of nights to explore and enjoy properly.
It was also my first real visit to Bournemouth, and I definitely feel it's a place to come back to for a couple of nights to explore and enjoy properly.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Didn't make it!
When I got to the train station yesterday morning, I found that no trains were running to Birmingham until Monday! So the soonest I could have made it to the Conference Hall was Monday afternoon, after forinstance the Chancellor's speech. Plus it would have cost me an extra £30 to get there. When I got home I called the hotel in Brum and they very graciously agreed to cancel my 4 night reservation without charge. So I never made it to the Conference and am watching it on TV instead - not ideal (as I was going to meet a good friend there for dinner as well!) but atleast I'm about £750 better off by not going. So every dark cloud . . .
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Birmingham Here I Come!
I'm off to my first Conservative Party Conference tomorrow morning, and I plan to update my Blog each night I'm there. So I'd better not have TOO much wine with dinner!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Ain't sports grand?!
Well, both my NFL teams were badly beaten this weekend, as well as my football [soccer] team and my Rugby League team.
Why do I take it so personally?!!
Why do I take it so personally?!!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Surprise Coalition Radical
After 100 days of the U.K. Coalition government, Eric Pickles has proved himself to be the most radical member of the Cabinet - even more than Michael Gove, who is trying to revolutionize the State school system.
His abolition of the Audit Commission was the headline grabber, but it's the other stuff he's done/is planning that help make the Comm'n redundant. Not only has he gotten rid of loads of red tape and counterproductive targets, but making all local Councils and Quangos publish the details of any spending over £500 has made the mass of internet users the new auditors of this spending. And Councils can be perfectly well audited officially by private Audit firms.
Beaurocracy and millions of Pounds Sterling cut in one foul swoop - not a bad 100 days' work.
His abolition of the Audit Commission was the headline grabber, but it's the other stuff he's done/is planning that help make the Comm'n redundant. Not only has he gotten rid of loads of red tape and counterproductive targets, but making all local Councils and Quangos publish the details of any spending over £500 has made the mass of internet users the new auditors of this spending. And Councils can be perfectly well audited officially by private Audit firms.
Beaurocracy and millions of Pounds Sterling cut in one foul swoop - not a bad 100 days' work.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Football (aka Soccer) begins again
The non-Premiership leagues started their seasons today. The first Premiership matches take place next weekend. Even before that there are the Community Shield match and an England friendly against Hungary.
Has enough time really passed to get over the England World Cup debacle? No! Will this season be any less angst ridden for a West Ham Utd. fan like me? Again No! Will my hand cramp up switching the remote among football matches, baseball games, American football games, etc etc? Yes!
With all this in mind, my verdict is the same as every year at this time . . . . I can't wait!
Has enough time really passed to get over the England World Cup debacle? No! Will this season be any less angst ridden for a West Ham Utd. fan like me? Again No! Will my hand cramp up switching the remote among football matches, baseball games, American football games, etc etc? Yes!
With all this in mind, my verdict is the same as every year at this time . . . . I can't wait!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Anniversary
Today is our 29th wedding anniversary, and we're going out to a Greek restaurant for a celebratory lunch.
We are both great lovers of Greece (perhaps only to visit, not to live in at the moment) and Greek food. Some of the best, simplest, and freshest meals we've ever had were in local tavernas on the Greek islands (Corfu, Zakynthos, and Rhodes).
Contrary to the general impression, the French also do simple meals very well. I have yet to have anything less than a delicious repaste on any of my trips to France. (I rather fear that any Frenchman who prepared a substandard dish might face the Guillotine!)
So while I sip my white wine (NOT Retsina!) and dive into a plate of calamari, I'll remember those wonderful days in Greece - even though the view outside will be of urban London.
We are both great lovers of Greece (perhaps only to visit, not to live in at the moment) and Greek food. Some of the best, simplest, and freshest meals we've ever had were in local tavernas on the Greek islands (Corfu, Zakynthos, and Rhodes).
Contrary to the general impression, the French also do simple meals very well. I have yet to have anything less than a delicious repaste on any of my trips to France. (I rather fear that any Frenchman who prepared a substandard dish might face the Guillotine!)
So while I sip my white wine (NOT Retsina!) and dive into a plate of calamari, I'll remember those wonderful days in Greece - even though the view outside will be of urban London.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
To Tory Rightwing: All will be well
The expected criticisms and mutterings of discontent have begun from the Conservative Party's true believers. Coalition govenment with the LibDems was always going to be a problem for them, so this is hardly a surprising development. But there are many of their fellow staunch Conservatives who are relishing the opportunities Coalition politics offers - both for many major shifts in policy away from the Labour government's erratic but almost always wrongheaded course, but also for the longer term Party policial advantage to be gained.
As we watch the desultory Labour leadership contest meander toward its eventual conclusion, it is becoming obvious that whomever becomes the new leader the Party will move to the Left. This is for two principal reasons: 1) the Party never really bought into the Blairites' New Labour except as a vote winner, and 2) the Coalition is squeezing them out of opposing its policies from anywhere except the Left. If the Coalition government continues to operate as it has already shown that it can, this is very likely a dead end politically at the next General Election.
David Cameron some time ago realized that hardline Rightwing social policies and rhetoric just weren't vote winners anymore with the swing voters who now more than ever elect British governments. The socially liberal policies the Coalition is implementing would in the main have been followed even if the Tories had won an outright majority. The inclusion of the LibDems both gives them "cover" for what they would have largely done anyway, and it removes the opposition the LibDems doubtless would have expressed - even to policies they were fundamentally in favor of.
Besides this, of course, a very great number of properly conservative policies are being put into practice; and they are protected from effective LibDem criticism by the Coalition agreements, which are extraordinarily comprehensive and detailed. I believe these also override any Labour attempts to hold the Coalition Parties to what they said in their manifestos. They will try, of course, especially to cause the LibDems as much discomfort as possible. But the LibDems are in power, many of their policies are being atleast in part implemented, and it must be so much more enjoyable speaking from the Dispatch Box than from the anonymity of the LibDem benches across the aisle and over to the side.
With the center, center-right, and center-left pretty much usurped by the Coalition, the appeal of a Leftwing Labour opposition, beyond afew union leaders and activists, should be quite limited. So Conservative critics should look at the larger picture and enjoy the ride.
As we watch the desultory Labour leadership contest meander toward its eventual conclusion, it is becoming obvious that whomever becomes the new leader the Party will move to the Left. This is for two principal reasons: 1) the Party never really bought into the Blairites' New Labour except as a vote winner, and 2) the Coalition is squeezing them out of opposing its policies from anywhere except the Left. If the Coalition government continues to operate as it has already shown that it can, this is very likely a dead end politically at the next General Election.
David Cameron some time ago realized that hardline Rightwing social policies and rhetoric just weren't vote winners anymore with the swing voters who now more than ever elect British governments. The socially liberal policies the Coalition is implementing would in the main have been followed even if the Tories had won an outright majority. The inclusion of the LibDems both gives them "cover" for what they would have largely done anyway, and it removes the opposition the LibDems doubtless would have expressed - even to policies they were fundamentally in favor of.
Besides this, of course, a very great number of properly conservative policies are being put into practice; and they are protected from effective LibDem criticism by the Coalition agreements, which are extraordinarily comprehensive and detailed. I believe these also override any Labour attempts to hold the Coalition Parties to what they said in their manifestos. They will try, of course, especially to cause the LibDems as much discomfort as possible. But the LibDems are in power, many of their policies are being atleast in part implemented, and it must be so much more enjoyable speaking from the Dispatch Box than from the anonymity of the LibDem benches across the aisle and over to the side.
With the center, center-right, and center-left pretty much usurped by the Coalition, the appeal of a Leftwing Labour opposition, beyond afew union leaders and activists, should be quite limited. So Conservative critics should look at the larger picture and enjoy the ride.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Don't Mention the Weather
As my bedroom electric fan swings back and forth for its 50th uninterrupted hour or so, I feel moved to comment on that universal subject of casual conversation: The Weather.
It is currently uncomfortably (for a Northern European, even one who grew up in the San Francisco Bay area) warm and humid. Earlier this week we had the fire on in the lounge. These variations are par for the course in this country but are no less irritating for all that. The ideal day for me is a sunny one at 70F with a light and pleasant breeze. A day like this is so rare as to be a candidate for display in the Natural History Museum. Too cold, too warm, too wet - this is the norm.
The problem is that these variations are as nothing compared to most other places in the globe. "What's it like in Baghdad today, Nigel?" "Oh, it's 50C with only 10 minutes of electricity a day to run the fridges." "As we look out on the wasteland that used to be several Bangladesh villages before the torrential floods . . ." "And of course the Sahel desert is expanding by 382 meters a month, leading to famine, disease, social disintegration . . ."
So one feels selfish and Little Englandish to complain about weather in just about the world's most temperate climate in the Southeast of England. I mean, one could live in a land of really awful weather and severe deprivation with a largely uneducated population who have failed to grasp that key talent in the world fast lane, fluency in the English language. But enough about Scotland . . .
Is it my fault that I have the tolerance for changes in temperature and humidity more common to cold-blooded animals? But one inalienable right of the British is to complain about the weather. So I will not be cowed or silenced. How can I elaborate my thoughts properly in the midst of this slight warm spell?!
What do we want?
Temperatures of between about 68F and 72F with a light cooling breeze!
When do we want it?
Quite soon would be very nice. But don't put yourself to too much trouble!!
So the Battlecry goes forth!
It is currently uncomfortably (for a Northern European, even one who grew up in the San Francisco Bay area) warm and humid. Earlier this week we had the fire on in the lounge. These variations are par for the course in this country but are no less irritating for all that. The ideal day for me is a sunny one at 70F with a light and pleasant breeze. A day like this is so rare as to be a candidate for display in the Natural History Museum. Too cold, too warm, too wet - this is the norm.
The problem is that these variations are as nothing compared to most other places in the globe. "What's it like in Baghdad today, Nigel?" "Oh, it's 50C with only 10 minutes of electricity a day to run the fridges." "As we look out on the wasteland that used to be several Bangladesh villages before the torrential floods . . ." "And of course the Sahel desert is expanding by 382 meters a month, leading to famine, disease, social disintegration . . ."
So one feels selfish and Little Englandish to complain about weather in just about the world's most temperate climate in the Southeast of England. I mean, one could live in a land of really awful weather and severe deprivation with a largely uneducated population who have failed to grasp that key talent in the world fast lane, fluency in the English language. But enough about Scotland . . .
Is it my fault that I have the tolerance for changes in temperature and humidity more common to cold-blooded animals? But one inalienable right of the British is to complain about the weather. So I will not be cowed or silenced. How can I elaborate my thoughts properly in the midst of this slight warm spell?!
What do we want?
Temperatures of between about 68F and 72F with a light cooling breeze!
When do we want it?
Quite soon would be very nice. But don't put yourself to too much trouble!!
So the Battlecry goes forth!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
The Budget
Well, in less than 2 days' time we will know the shape of the UK government's Budgets for the next 4 to 5 years. Speculation is rife, of course - some of it doubtless due to planted rumors by various interested parties. For what it's worth, some comments in advance on what I'd hope it will be:
It should be bold. This is a unique period in British political history: one opposition party is tied into the Coalition government, the other is leaderless for some months to come and thus powerless to an extent it won't be again in this Parliament. So this is THE opportunity to take the difficult, unpleasant measures in both taxes and spending that might really make things better when the next election rolls around in 2015.
In that context, it must start the long, hard slog toward public service reform (ie. less being done by central government done by fewer state employees with more realistic salaries, perqs, and pensions); and welfare reform (ie. fewer people receiving state money for fewer categories of things).
If the difficult things are done now, then maybe in the last Budget before the election tax cuts can be made and popular spending plans can be announced. The less that is done now, the less credit for the eventually improved economic situation will go to the Coalition government.
Mr Chancellor: Be honest, be principled, be bold.
It should be bold. This is a unique period in British political history: one opposition party is tied into the Coalition government, the other is leaderless for some months to come and thus powerless to an extent it won't be again in this Parliament. So this is THE opportunity to take the difficult, unpleasant measures in both taxes and spending that might really make things better when the next election rolls around in 2015.
In that context, it must start the long, hard slog toward public service reform (ie. less being done by central government done by fewer state employees with more realistic salaries, perqs, and pensions); and welfare reform (ie. fewer people receiving state money for fewer categories of things).
If the difficult things are done now, then maybe in the last Budget before the election tax cuts can be made and popular spending plans can be announced. The less that is done now, the less credit for the eventually improved economic situation will go to the Coalition government.
Mr Chancellor: Be honest, be principled, be bold.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
I have a theory
The Algerian goalie just let in a very easy goal that should have been no problem to save. Combined with England's Robert Green's similar - OK, even worse - allowed goal yesterday, it starts to become obvious to me what is happening.
It's of course impossible to believe that goalkeepers at this level are so incompetent as to let in such goals under normal circumstances. I am convinced that the problem is that being told for weeks that the balls used in this World Cup would unpredictably move and swerve in the air, they were just not prepared for shots which went straight at them without deviation.
This now makes everything clear and understandable. It isn't incompetence at all . . . they just don't have the right balls.
It's of course impossible to believe that goalkeepers at this level are so incompetent as to let in such goals under normal circumstances. I am convinced that the problem is that being told for weeks that the balls used in this World Cup would unpredictably move and swerve in the air, they were just not prepared for shots which went straight at them without deviation.
This now makes everything clear and understandable. It isn't incompetence at all . . . they just don't have the right balls.
Friday, June 11, 2010
The World Cup is Upon Us . . .
So it's that time of the every-fourth-year again, when men's fancies turn to fantasies of England having GOOD luck, the Brazilians getting frustrated and red carded, and the Spanish going down on penalties.
We always wake up, of course. The trouble with the big build-up to the England World Cup campaign is not that it's unrealistic. When did sports fans start being realistic?! No, the trouble is what happens when England falls at the QF or (chance would be a fine thing) SF stage. Most of the country suddenly has to face the utter dreariness and meaninglessness of what passes for real life. The alcoholic high turns to a nasty hangover, and all the flags come down . . . literally and metaphorically.
Let's be clear about this: I am as much a victim of this quadrennial delusion as anyone else. I may see it for what it really is, but I am no less in its thrall for that.
Tomorrow England play the USA. As a native of the latter and a newly made citizen of the former, I have been struggling for weeks over which side I should support. But today that greatest invention of modern man - Twitter - delivered to me the answer to all my doubts: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will be at the match rooting for the USA team. So now, proudly and without hesitation, I can say
C'MON ENGLAND!!!
We always wake up, of course. The trouble with the big build-up to the England World Cup campaign is not that it's unrealistic. When did sports fans start being realistic?! No, the trouble is what happens when England falls at the QF or (chance would be a fine thing) SF stage. Most of the country suddenly has to face the utter dreariness and meaninglessness of what passes for real life. The alcoholic high turns to a nasty hangover, and all the flags come down . . . literally and metaphorically.
Let's be clear about this: I am as much a victim of this quadrennial delusion as anyone else. I may see it for what it really is, but I am no less in its thrall for that.
Tomorrow England play the USA. As a native of the latter and a newly made citizen of the former, I have been struggling for weeks over which side I should support. But today that greatest invention of modern man - Twitter - delivered to me the answer to all my doubts: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will be at the match rooting for the USA team. So now, proudly and without hesitation, I can say
C'MON ENGLAND!!!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Hurrah for the English Countyside
I'm just back from afew days with my wife and father-in-law in a farmhouse cottage in the County of Dorset. Every time I pry myself away from greater London and get out into the English countryside, the beauty and peace of life, not to mention the village pubs and multitude of thatched roofs, is a joy. So many American and other foreign visitors to England only really see London, with maybe a day trip or two to Stonehenge or Oxford or the like. There can be no other country so rich in interesting and evocative places to visit - and more to the point spend some time exploring - than England. As I have grown so fond of France (Paris AND non-Paris) and Belgium (Brussels AND non-Brussels), so guests in this country should properly partake of the treasures beyond the Metropolis.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
John Wooden RIP
John Wooden has died at the age of 99. Not only was he the greatest basketball coach of all time, but his beliefs (aka Failing to prepare is preparing to fail) stood many of his players in good stead for their future basketball and non-basketball careers.
Today's society doesn't produce many men like him any more, so I can just be proud and happy to have witnessed his reign at UCLA and the marvelous teams he produced.
God now has a pretty good coach for Heaven's team.
Today's society doesn't produce many men like him any more, so I can just be proud and happy to have witnessed his reign at UCLA and the marvelous teams he produced.
God now has a pretty good coach for Heaven's team.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Starting over again at West Ham
So Avrim Grant has been officially appointed the new manager of West Ham Utd. There's some grumbling that he's not really what we need, but I rather think he might be.
Number One: the owners (or owners of 60% of the club to be accurate) like him and are likely to feel comfortable with him. This is very important, as the money available for purchasing new players is likely to be limited over and above what is made from the sale of some of our players. All parties need to be on the same page and in real communication at all times.
Number Two: He knows something about managing in the Premiership. He did a good job at Chelsea and had no chance at Portsmouth.
Number Three: The dour (dull?) personality he projects to the media and public might actually be a blessing. The owners Gold and Sullivan have quite enough to say for themselves without the manager trying to compete. And we're told he has an excellent sense of humor, so his relationship with his players might be better than some expect.
Over all, we certainly could have done worse. And what we need now is a real dose of realism. Finding the middle bit of the league and staying there should be our goal for the moment. We all know that thinking about Europe can end up as flirting with relegation. I think the fans know this and will support a manager and a team which plays solid football and gets the results it should get.
Now what we require is a squad to accomplish this.
Number One: the owners (or owners of 60% of the club to be accurate) like him and are likely to feel comfortable with him. This is very important, as the money available for purchasing new players is likely to be limited over and above what is made from the sale of some of our players. All parties need to be on the same page and in real communication at all times.
Number Two: He knows something about managing in the Premiership. He did a good job at Chelsea and had no chance at Portsmouth.
Number Three: The dour (dull?) personality he projects to the media and public might actually be a blessing. The owners Gold and Sullivan have quite enough to say for themselves without the manager trying to compete. And we're told he has an excellent sense of humor, so his relationship with his players might be better than some expect.
Over all, we certainly could have done worse. And what we need now is a real dose of realism. Finding the middle bit of the league and staying there should be our goal for the moment. We all know that thinking about Europe can end up as flirting with relegation. I think the fans know this and will support a manager and a team which plays solid football and gets the results it should get.
Now what we require is a squad to accomplish this.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Humiliations of Not a Handy Man
What is it like to be useless in a practical way around one's home? As a sufferer from this condition, I muse on this subject as I sit here listening to a discussion on Edmund Burke on BBC Radio 4 while hearing our hired workman extending his ladder outside my window to continue the painting of the back of the house.
I don't like ladders. I don't much like painting. Putting these two together in the great outdoors, which is lovely today but could equally be cold, wet, and windy, is something I am minded to avoid if mere money can be deployed to do so. This is the case as I write.
I was raised to be idle. There's no way around it. This was not the perfect upbringing for a middle class boy without connections but with a natural predeliction toward sedentary pursuits. Mowing the lawn was at the very cutting edge of the physical exertions that were expected of me. School, college, and then life in an office work environment taught me discipline but added not a whit to my ability to change a lightbulb, et al.
The problem is this: in Britain to be "handy" - or atleast to believe one is and act accordingly - is expected as a part of the natural order of things. As one without any proclivities of this sort, and as one who grew up in a land across the Sea where everything tangible seems to have a different name, I am left to the last bastion of defense of my status as a Man: Sports!
My devotion to sports - on TV and print, of course - over a substantial range of British and American competitions gives me entry into practically any conversation with other chaps, especially in the milieu of the Public House and, before my retirement, in the office.
But doubtless needless to say this cuts no ice in my own home where I remain a continuing disgrace in this area. My constant attempts at distraction onto the ground of the intellect - where I feel more confident and atleast know the names of things - prove of only sporadic and short term effect. But what can I do? I am and remain . . .
Not a Handy Man.
I don't like ladders. I don't much like painting. Putting these two together in the great outdoors, which is lovely today but could equally be cold, wet, and windy, is something I am minded to avoid if mere money can be deployed to do so. This is the case as I write.
I was raised to be idle. There's no way around it. This was not the perfect upbringing for a middle class boy without connections but with a natural predeliction toward sedentary pursuits. Mowing the lawn was at the very cutting edge of the physical exertions that were expected of me. School, college, and then life in an office work environment taught me discipline but added not a whit to my ability to change a lightbulb, et al.
The problem is this: in Britain to be "handy" - or atleast to believe one is and act accordingly - is expected as a part of the natural order of things. As one without any proclivities of this sort, and as one who grew up in a land across the Sea where everything tangible seems to have a different name, I am left to the last bastion of defense of my status as a Man: Sports!
My devotion to sports - on TV and print, of course - over a substantial range of British and American competitions gives me entry into practically any conversation with other chaps, especially in the milieu of the Public House and, before my retirement, in the office.
But doubtless needless to say this cuts no ice in my own home where I remain a continuing disgrace in this area. My constant attempts at distraction onto the ground of the intellect - where I feel more confident and atleast know the names of things - prove of only sporadic and short term effect. But what can I do? I am and remain . . .
Not a Handy Man.
PM Cameron's first PMQs
I watched Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions with considerable interest and curiosity, it being David Cameron's first time answering the questions after years of asking them (usually fruitlessly). The mood in the House - perhaps because of all the newbie MPs and/or the horrible shooting spree in Cumbria - was much less rambunctious than usual and all the better for it. The PM answered each question crisply and has already learned to use his response to the acting Opposition leader's last of her allotted 6 questions to stick the knife into the ex-Labour government. With no comeback allowed, this is often a good trick to use.
The fascinating saga of this Coalition government was again highlighted by questions from Liberal Democrat and Conservative backbenchers, some of which were less supportive of the government as of their own pre-Coalition agreement views. This is an intriguing aspect of the great Coalition experiment. Will it extend from asking questions and making speeches to abstentions or voting against Government measures? The Whips will have their work cut out for them I'm sure.
The fascinating saga of this Coalition government was again highlighted by questions from Liberal Democrat and Conservative backbenchers, some of which were less supportive of the government as of their own pre-Coalition agreement views. This is an intriguing aspect of the great Coalition experiment. Will it extend from asking questions and making speeches to abstentions or voting against Government measures? The Whips will have their work cut out for them I'm sure.
Here we go!
I've finally taken the plunge and created (aka slavishly copied the template) a Blog. At this point I have no idea how much I'll have to say or what I will say, but who knows - from little acorns grow . . .
My main interests (the PG ones anyway) are politics - U.S. and U.K. - history, movies, sports - again U.S. and U.K. - and, well . . . myself. I promise to keep the last one well under control.
Be gentle with me.
My main interests (the PG ones anyway) are politics - U.S. and U.K. - history, movies, sports - again U.S. and U.K. - and, well . . . myself. I promise to keep the last one well under control.
Be gentle with me.
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